Are peri-urban mangrove forests viable? Effects of sewage pollution and wood exploitation on the structure and development of the mangroves of Mombasa (Kenya)
Mohamed, M.O.S. (2008). Are peri-urban mangrove forests viable? Effects of sewage pollution and wood exploitation on the structure and development of the mangroves of Mombasa (Kenya). PhD Thesis. Free University Brussels. Laboratory of Plant Science and Nature Management: Brussel. 180 pp.
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Document type: Dissertation
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| Keywords |
Abundance
Adaptation
Biological phenomena > Regeneration
Ecosystems
Environmental factors > Anthropogenic factors
Exploitation
Fauna
Flora
Management
Mangroves
Materials > Wood
Pollution
Pollution effects
Sewage disposal
Socioeconomic aspects
Taxa > Species
Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. [WoRMS]; Rhizophora mucronata Poir. [WoRMS]; Sonneratia alba Sm. [WoRMS]
ISW, Kenya, Mombasa, Tudor Creek
Marine/Coastal |
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| Abstract |
The vegetation, functional and socio-economic aspects of the peri-urban mangroves of Tudor creek in Mombasa were studied. The mangroves of Tudor creek are degraded due to long-term impacts of unregulated wood harvest, raw domestic sewage pollution and siltation. The unregulated exploitation of mangrove wood by locals undervalues the ecosystem goods and services. However, despite being degraded, the mangroves of Tudor creek are still productive and are comparable to similar forests globally. The study further shows that raw domestic sewage may not have a significant impact on mangrove productivity, but may alter leaf nitrates content, with implication on nutrients cycling within the system. It is recommended that ‘adaptive management' is the best strategy to manage peri-urban mangroves. Valuing the ecosystem goods and services, and assigning legally binding responsibility on users may ensure the long-term sustainability of peri-urban ecosystems. |
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