Mangroves are trees as well as shrubs, commonly called as halophytes since they grow in harsh environmental conditions such as high saline conditions. They constitute a unique ecosystem of coastal region which links fresh water and marine life. They can grow in such extreme environmental conditions due to their morphological and physiological adaptations, including complex root and salt filtration abilities to cope with inundation of salt water and wave action. They are well adapted to grow in anoxic conditions in intertidal zone or brackish water of tropical and subtropical coastal areas. They have their own ecosystem therefore their loss can directly show the negative impact on surrounding coastal ecosystem and associated ecosystems. Mangroves are of great importance to many people who live along tropical shorelines. In Southeast Asia mangroves have been managed as a sustained yield forest crop for more than a century. In recent years the ecological, environmental and socio-economic importance of mangroves has been emphasized by international agencies, governments, local authorities’ non-government organization (NGOs), coastal communities and scientists.
Ayesha Ejaz Shaikh (Sat,) studied this question.