Response to N. Koedam and F. Dahdouh-Guebas's E-Letter [original article: Barbier et al. (2008) Coastal ecosystem-based management with nonlinear ecological functions and values]

Abstract

[Extract] Koedam and Dahdouh-Guebas raise the important issue that "there is a pressing need for in-depth investigation of the protection function of various mangrove formations and coast-geomorphological settings, various root types, and various species composition," and that "detangling the effect of such complexity under various water-related impacts" is essential for "understanding the power of mangroves and other coastal vegetation as protective barriers."

We agree with their assessment, and consider our recent Science article (1) as a first step in a much-needed global research agenda for "detangling the effect" of the physical and vegetative properties that determine whether mangroves and other interface systems are effective coastal barriers against periodic, economically damaging storm events. We would like to make three additional points.