Mangrove Restoration Cost-Effectiveness Exceeds Engineered Coastal Defenses 5:1
Menendez P, Losada I, Torres-Ortega S
Climate Adaptation
Trees and wetlands near coastlines — the same kinds of natural buffers that protect beaches, fishing communities, and even inland gardens from storm flooding — are worth far more alive and restored than replaced with concrete.
Scientists tracked 34 spots where mangrove trees were replanted along coastlines in Southeast Asia over ten years. They found that spending just one dollar on planting and restoring these salt-tolerant trees protects the shoreline as well as spending five dollars on a concrete seawall. On top of that, the restored mangrove forests supported local fish populations and soaked up carbon from the atmosphere, adding even more value.
Key Findings
Every $1 spent on mangrove restoration provides coastal protection equivalent to $5 spent on engineered seawalls, a 5:1 cost-effectiveness ratio.
Restored mangrove sites reached 80% of the wave-buffering capacity of natural, undisturbed mangroves within just 7 years.
Co-benefits from fishery support and carbon sequestration add an estimated $3.20 per meter of coastline per year in additional economic value.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Restoring mangrove forests along coastlines delivers five times more coastal protection per dollar than building concrete seawalls, based on a decade of data from 34 sites across Southeast Asia. Mangroves also provide bonus economic value through fishery support and carbon storage.
Abstract Preview
A 10-year analysis of 34 restored mangrove sites across Southeast Asia shows $1 of mangrove restoration provides the equivalent coastal protection of $5 in engineered seawalls. Restored sites achie...
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A mangrove is a shrub or tree that grows mainly in coastal saline or brackish water. Mangroves grow in an equatorial climate, typically along coastlines and tidal rivers. They have particular adaptations to take in extra oxygen and remove salt, allowing them to tolerate conditions that kill most ...