Exploring the Practical Applications of Floating Mangroves and Their Potential Impacts
摘要
The chapter explores floating mangroves as a potential nature-based engineered solution to address mangrove deforestation and coastal vulnerability due to increased wave energy and urbanization on the coasts. The chapter begins by describing mangroves’ role in mitigating climate change impacts and protecting the coast. The need for floating mangroves is proposed due to their ecological advantages, plantation requirements, and effectiveness in coastal protection. The chapter identified three typologies of floating mangroves, each with specific applications, functions, and impacts. Type A is designed for wave reduction and could provide coastal protection. Type B could be intended for mangrove harvesting, supporting the livelihoods of surrounding communities. Type C could be used for supporting mangrove restoration in addition to traditional methods such as direct planting of propagules or seedlings. Then, the potential impacts of floating mangroves and coastal mangrove plantations are compared. Further, the chapter outlines the challenges and research opportunities of implementing floating mangroves. Moreover, the chapter highlights an ongoing floating mangrove experimental model, emphasizing its importance for future research and development. These nature-based engineering models could protect the coastal area from waves and be used for harvesting and coastal restoration.