Year of publication 1994

Growing awareness of the protective, productive and socia-economic functions of tropical mangrove ecosystems, and of the consequences of their deterioration, has highlighted the need for the conservation and sustainable, integrated management of these valuable resources. Given their multiple-use potential, it is imperative that the management of mangrove based terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems be undertaken within the context of integrated coastal area management planning. In many countries, much of the basic information needed for development and execution of management plans in mangrove forests, is presently not available. These guidelines present a synthesis of mangrove forest management systems which have been developed and successfully used in a number of countries and regions, and examine experiences gained and lessons learned. The guidelines focus specifically on the management of the forest resources contained in the mangrove ecosystem, including wood and non-wood forest products. A chapter on mangrove ecology is included in order to ensure adequate understanding of the dynamics of these ecosystems, as a basis for their conservation and sustainable use. The guidelines further include chapters on inventory and assessment of mangrove resources, and on traditional and potential uses of products provided by them. Environmental impact assessment is finally reviewed, and conclusions and recommendations are given to summarize the findings in the document.