Asia Pacific Symposium on Mangrove Ecosystems : proceedings of the international conference held at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, September 1-3, 1993

Mangrove ecosystems are typical formations found in coastal deposits of mud and silt throughout the tropics and some distance into the subtropical latitudes. The total worldwide mangrove area, which is estimated at about 170,000 km2 with some sixty species of trees and shrubs exclusive to the habitat, dominates approximately 75% of the world's coastline between latitudes 25 0 N and 25 0 S. Intertidal ecosystems such as this support genetically diverse communities of terrestrial and aquatic organisms that are of direct or indirect socioeconomic value. It is generally accepted that mangrove forests play important roles such as coastal stabilization and protection against winds and storms; producers of nutrients, forest resources and animal species of economic importance. Recently, the issues on the conservation, proper utilization and management of mangrove forests have been widely discussed in the scientific arena. Unfortunately, over-exploitation and destruction of mangroves have become a worldwide phenomenon which seriously threatens the sustain ability of these ecosystems. The deliberations of this symposium are therefore timely. Its purpose is to promote scientific exchange and regional collaborations in various aspects of research work on studies of mangroves. This special volume includes a large number of the papers presented during the symposium on three main areas, namely recent advances in mangrove ecology; application and utilization of mangrove resources, and conservation and management of the ecosystems. In addition to exchanging information on the principles and techniques, the participants had also come up with a conference recommendation which urged countries of the participants to pay attention to the protection and management of mangroves in their own countries.