The dangerous myth of tsunami greenbelts: Response to Stone 2006

Abstract

Mangroves have been widely reported as reducing deaths and damage caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami. Consequently, many organizations are advocating the use of mangroves as a natural barrier against future tsunamis. For example, the World Conservation Union is promoting “Mangroves for the Future,” a program highlighted in the article “A Rescue Effort for Tsunami-Ravaged Mangrove Forests” (20 Oct. 2006, p. 404). Discussions to date have concentrated on how to make these replanting programs successful (1). A far more important consideration is whether they will work.