Mangrove forests are naturally occurring forests found in coastal shallow waters, tidal flats, and along the banks of rivers and streams affected by seawater intrusion. They are extremely important for humans and biodiversity, and also play a significant role in addressing global climate change.
Mangrove forests are a natural resource that has played a role in an important event in Myanmar’s history and has provided numerous benefits to the country. In early May 2008, the devastating Cyclone Nargis, one of the most notorious cyclones in Myanmar’s history, severely struck the coastal areas of Ayeyawady Region, Yangon Region, and Mon State, causing the deaths and destruction of many people. Numerous homes, buildings, and properties were swept away by the extremely powerful storm. Despite the severity of this natural disaster, the destructive force of the cyclone was not able to indiscriminately devastate human lives and livelihoods entirely due to the protection provided by a natural resource – mangrove forests.
The small remaining areas of mangrove forests along riverbanks and coastal areas were able to save the lives of some people. The mangroves provided a chance of survival for some who were thought to have lost their lives during the powerful storm. Therefore, without any media coverage or publicity, local communities came to clearly understand the value and importance of mangrove forests.
There are approximately 15.2 million hectares (approximately 37.56 acres) of mangrove forests, of which one to two per cent are lost every year. Myanmar, with around 1.26 million acres of mangrove forest area, ranks seventh globally and third in the ASEAN region in terms of mangrove coverage. Across the world, they are found in areas such as Bangladesh, Myanmar’s coastal regions including Rakhine State and the Ayeyawady River Delta, as well as the Gulf of Mottama region and other areas.
There are two types of mangrove forests in Myanmar: delta mangrove forests and coastal mangrove forests. Delta mangrove forests are mainly found in Bogale Township, Meinmahla Island, Kadonkani, Labutta District, Myaungmya Township, Pyapon, Dedaye, and other townships in Ayeyawady Region. Coastal mangrove forests are found along the western coastline of Rakhine State in addition to the Myeik Archipelago, Yangon Region, and Bago Region.
Therefore, we should recognize that mangrove forests, which stand like green walls between the sea and the land, are indispensable for maintaining climate balance, keeping the environment free from pollution, protecting against natural disasters, ensuring the abundance of fisheries resources, and improving the socioeconomic lives of local communities. We should all actively participate in the conservation, protection, and restoration of mangrove forests.
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