Mangrove Ecosystems and Services: Legal Recognition and Protection in Indo-Pacific Island States

Abstract

Mangroves are valuable and highly productive ecosystems providing multiple services, including coastal protection, fishery breeding, birthing and nursery grounds, carbon sequestration and water filtration. Although they are rarely the subject of tailored legal protection, there are some jurisdictions where the ecosystem services provided by mangroves are recognised in law and policy frameworks. This article focuses on Indo-Pacific island states to highlight the ways in which mangroves have been treated in law in these nations, and to make suggestions for how Indo-Pacific island states could enhance their conservation and management.