IMIS

Publications | Institutes | Persons | Datasets | Projects | Maps
[ report an error in this record ]basket (0): add | show Print this page

Shelter from the storm? Use and misuse of coastal vegetation bioshields for managing natural disasters
Feagin, R.A.; Mukherjee, N.; Shanker, K.; Baird, A.H.; Cinner, J.E.; Kerr, A.M.; Koedam, N.; Sridhar, A.; Arthur, R.; Jayatissa, L.P.; Lo Seen, D.; Menon, M.; Rodriguez, S.; Shamsuddoha, Md.; Dahdouh-Guebas, F. (2010). Shelter from the storm? Use and misuse of coastal vegetation bioshields for managing natural disasters. Conserv. Lett. 3(1): 1-11. dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1755-263X.2009.00087.x
In: Conservation Letters. Blackwell/Wiley: Malden, Mass. ISSN 1755-263X; e-ISSN 1755-263X, more
Peer reviewed article  

Available in  Authors 

Author keywords
    Bioshields; hurricanes; tsunami; coastal vegetation; wave attenuation; storm surge; disaster management

Authors  Top 
  • Feagin, R.A.
  • Mukherjee, N., more
  • Shanker, K.
  • Baird, A.H.
  • Cinner, J.E.
  • Kerr, A.M.
  • Koedam, N., more
  • Sridhar, A.
  • Arthur, R.
  • Jayatissa, L.P., more
  • Lo Seen, D.
  • Menon, M.
  • Rodriguez, S.
  • Shamsuddoha, Md.
  • Dahdouh-Guebas, F., more

Abstract
    Vegetated coastal ecosystems provide goods and services to billions of people. In the aftermath of a series of recent natural disasters, including the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and Cyclone Nargis, coastal vegetation has been widely promoted for the purpose of reducing the impact of large storm surges and tsunami. In this paper, we review the use of coastal vegetation as a “bioshield” against these extreme events. Our objective is to alter bioshield policy and reduce the long-term negative consequences for biodiversity and human capital. We begin with an overview of the scientific literature, in particular focusing on studies published since the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and discuss the science of wave attenuation by vegetation. We then explore case studies from the Indian subcontinent and evaluate the detrimental impacts bioshield plantations can have upon native ecosystems, drawing a distinction between coastal restoration and the introduction of exotic species in inappropriate locations. Finally, we place bioshield policies into a political context, and outline a new direction for coastal vegetation policy and research.

All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Authors