MAP gives Ecological Mangrove Restoration (EMR) Presentation

THAILAND – The Mangrove Action Project (MAP) participated in a two days regional training workshop “Carbon Stock Assessment and Emissions Inventory in Asian Mangroves: Executive Summary for Policy Makers” held in Bangkok on April 24-25 2013.  The workshop was co-organized by USAID/RDMA (Regional Development Mission for Asia) through their Low Emissions Asian Development (LEAD) program, the US Forest Service (USFS), and the Center for International Forestry Research CIFOR.  There were 40 participants from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. The workshop was part of a two phase carbon assessment training course. READ MORE
 
AFRICA

FAO Install Move to Protect Mangroves

CAMEROON – … the government of Cameroon has teamed up with the FAO and local NGOs to safeguard the country’s surviving mangroves and restore depleted zones.  The over six million dollar venture, dubbed Sustainable Community Management and Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems in Cameroon, will last five years.  It was launched in February. Julius Niba Fon is a conservation expert in the Cameroon Ministry of the Environment.  He says the project will involve communities residing within and around mangrove forests. "We understand that the local areas have local development plans which don’t take into consideration this special ecosystem," says Fon. "We also have the creation of protected areas for mangroves." READ MORE
 
Green Abu Dhabi 2013 will keep mangroves clean
ABU DHABI – For two hours per month, nine times a year, a team of 50 individuals will roam the mangroves of the capital and free them from litter and other waste material, as part of Green Abu Dhabi 2013. Inaugurated by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Green Abu Dhabi will host its first group clean-up this month. As part of the project, a month-long art exhibition by British artist George H. Lewis displayed a combination of photographs and paintings for members of the public and companies to purchase in order to support this cause. READ MORE
 
ASIA
 
One lakh mangroves in Adyar creek soon

INDIA – Over one lakh (10,000) mangroves will be planted in the Adyar creek as part of the second phase of the eco-restoration of the water body. The State government has approved the commencement of work on this project that will cover 300 acres of Adyar Creek adjoining the Adyar Poonga at a cost of Rs.24.93 crore. The first phase, constituting 58 acres involved the planting of 1.36 lakh saplings of various species. Experts said that the second phase would mainly involve water body restoration. “So, one lakh saplings belonging to 24 mangrove species such as Avicennia marina, Acanthus ilicifolius, Rizhophora mucronata and other mangrove associates such as barringtonia and pongamia will be planted,” said an official of Adyar Poonga. READ MORE
 
Protecting mangroves need of the hour
PAKISTAN – Caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (retd) Zahid Kurban Alavi has said that protection and conservation of mangroves is of immense importance for which communities living in coastal areas must be approached to create awareness. Addressing an inaugural ceremony as Chief Guest organised with the collaboration of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Mangroves For Future (MFF) at a local hotel on Tuesday, the CM said that Sindh has one of the largest mangroves forests, that shield against tsunamis, cyclones and other natural calamities. “It is a need of the hour to take urgent steps not only to protect the existing mangroves but ensuring maximum growth” he said, adding, mangroves not only save us from disastrous effects of climate change, but are also a source of livelihood for millions of people. “It is the responsibility of government, non-government organisations, people working for environmental protection, especially the fishermen and all other stakeholders to play their role for the preservation and protection of these natural resources,” CM Sindh added. READ MORE
 
Asia's shrimp industry facing long road to recovery
THAILAND – The news that the cause of the early mortality syndrome (EMS) has been identified should be a welcome change to the struggling Asian vannamei industry. A team of researchers at the University of Arizona found the disease is caused by a bacterial agent, which is transmitted orally, colonizes the shrimp gastrointestinal tract and produces a toxin that causes tissue destruction and dysfunction of the shrimp digestive organ known as the hepatopancreas. It is good news for producers, suppliers — and buyers. However, chances are a rehabilitation of production back to pre-EMS levels could take a while. READ MORE
 
Philippines suspends importation of live shrimps from Asian neighbors
PHILIPPINES – The Philippines has stopped the importation of live shrimps to prevent the spread of Early Mortality Syndrome (EMS)—now prevalent in neighboring countries—among local species, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) said. BFAR Director Asis Perez said EMS is prevalent Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, China and Indonesia. “We are dealing with a disease unknown to us, all the more that measures must be undertaken,” he said. An EMS infected shrimp usually dies within the first 30 days of its life, according to the bureau. It also banned the entry of crabs and lobsters which can carry and transmit the disease. The bureau said it is also monitoring the spread of EMS in Singapore, Myanmar, Brunei and Cambodia. READ MORE
 
Pak Bara seaport plan to continue in face of opposition
THAILAND – The government is determined to go ahead with the construction of the Pak Bara seaport, despite criticism by environmentalists and local fishermen. Marine Department Director-general Sorasak Sansombat said that the government will press ahead with the Pak Bara seaport project, which has been delayed for over a decade. The Transport Ministry aims to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA) on the project, and start construction in 2016. The port is aimed to be finished in 2020. The seaport of Pak Bara has been planned to be built in Satun province, close to Myanmar. The plan, however, has been perpetually delayed because of criticisms from environmentalists and local fishermen, as well as change of mind by past governments. READ MORE
 
Sabah NGO, firm join forces to conserve mangroves
INDONESIA – Sabah Wetland Conservation Society (SWCS) has forged a partnership with an international upstream oil and gas company, Talisman Energy Inc, for its assistance in the society’s effort to conserve mangrove forests in the State. The Society yesterday signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Malaysian arm of the Canada-based company to jointly carry out a campaign to promote awareness on mangrove conservation among the younger generation. Under the MoA, SWCS will receive funding from Talisman Malaysia Limited (TML) for two projects, namely Paper Making and Clothes Dying. The projects will engage young pupils and students from schools across the State in a fun, out-of-the-classroom activities where they will create and use products made from mangrove trees. READ MORE
 
‘Bakawan’ exhibit highlights mangroves
PHILIPPINES – A collection of photographs on the present state of mangroves in the Philippines by the Artists for Nature (AFN) group opened yesterday at the Handuraw Pizza Restaurant along Gorordo Avenue, Cebu City. “Bakawan” photo exhibit, which runs until the end of May, features the works of Mike Garcia, Clay Pescasio, Cedric Solidon and James Yayen. This is a fundraising activity for the Adopt-a-Mangrove Project of the Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEF), which undertakes mangrove reforestation and rehabilitation project in partnership with the government, business and the private sectors. The Artists for Nature group hailed the vital role of mangroves as a habitat of marine life and buffer against storms, strong waves and erosion. READ MORE
 
MAP's Thailand intern shares her story

THAILAND – Let me set the scene; I’m the volunteer intern for the MAP Asia office. I was sent to the remote Island of Koh Phra Thong (pronounced Goh Pra Tong – this isn’t exact but Thai to English doesn’t translate very well) or “Golden Buddha Island” in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand. I wasn’t banished or sent away because Jim and Ning were needing a break (at least I don’t think I was…); I was asked if I wanted to help out Barry – an associate of MAP’s – with some Sea Grass monitoring around the island. Being the dutiful intern I am, off I went for a week. The monitoring didn’t go too well on my part; I managed to cut my toe open on an oyster shell on the very first day, leaving me land-bound to do some “administrative” tasks instead. However, I did have the opportunity to join an educational day out to the Savannah of the island for the local children. READ MORE

AMERICAS
 
Cause Of EMS Shrimp Disease Identified
USA – After months of investigation by a research team led by Donald Lighter at the University of Arizona, the elusive pathogen causing early mortality syndrome (EMS), an emerging shrimp disease in Southeast Asia more technically known as acute hepatopancreatic necrosis syndrome (AHPNS), has been identified. The researchers found that EMS is caused by a bacterial agent, which is transmitted orally, colonizes the shrimp gastrointestinal tract and produces a toxin that causes tissue destruction and dysfunction of the shrimp digestive organ known as the hepatopancreas. It does not affect humans. Research continues on the development of diagnostic tests for rapid detection of the EMS/AHPNS pathogen that will enable improved management of hatcheries and ponds, and help lead to a long-term solution for the disease. It will also enable a better evaluation of risks associated with importation of frozen shrimp or other products from countries affected by EMS. READ MORE
 
Nearly 2 Million People Tell FDA Not To Approve GE Salmon
USA – On Friday April 26, 2013 over 1.8 million people sent comments vehemently opposing the approval of a genetically engineered salmon by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  The effort was driven by a broad coalition organized over three years ago by the Center for Food Safety and consisting of public interest, consumer, environmental and animal protection groups, along with commercial and recreational fisheries associations and food businesses and retailers. “It is extremely disappointing that the Obama Administration continues to push approval of this dangerous and unnecessary product through a broken regulatory system,” said Andrew Kimbrell, executive director for Center for Food Safety.  “The GE salmon has no socially redeeming value; it’s bad for the consumer, bad for the environment, and bad for our native salmon.  ” The FDA first announced that it was considering the approval of a GE salmon in August 2010.  If approved, it would be the first-ever GE animal permitted for human consumption in the U.S.  Friday marked the close of a 120-day comment period on a revised draft environmental assessment for the GE salmon, which has remained a concern for consumers and Congress alike. READ MORE
 
OCEANA
 
Group promotes global awareness of Flyways

AUSTRALIA – Artists are invited to investigate the idea of the Flyway and to use it as the starting point for their work. The annual departure and arrival of migratory birds is a spectacle which has symbolic meaning in numerous cultures around the world. Many of these birds travel vast distances, crossing several countries and entire continents during their annual cycle of migration. The countries that comprise the East-Asian Australasian Flyway are: the USA (Alaska); Russia (Siberia); Mongolia; China; North Korea; South Korea; Japan; the Philippines; Vietnam; Laos; Thailand; Cambodia; Myanmar; Bangladesh; India; Malaysia; Singapore; Brunei; Indonesia; Timor; Papua New Guinea; Australia and New Zealand. Artists will be invited to create a limited edition of a print produced in response to the idea of the flyway and the bird species that frequent it. Finished editions will be posted to the project co-ordinator in Melbourne, Australia. The dimensions of the print will also be specified, and paper and postage will be provided. READ MORE
 
LAST WORD
 
News from Belize regarding our story in MAP News Issue 313
Dredging of Belize Mangroves Stopped!

Alfredo,
 
I did pass on the email you send, to the person I got this info from, and the officials in Belize have now stepped in and stopped the destruction of the Mangroves on the Island.  Living some of the year in our family home on Utila, we are all big Mangrove lovers.
 
I don't know if it was something your organization said or did, but it doesn't really matter, the problem has been resolved.
 
Thank you for your work.  I'm sure we'll be in touch again someday to save some Mangroves.

Best Regards,
Ted Danger

~ WE WELOCME YOUR LETTERS – If you’d like to have the last word on this or any other mangrove related topic, please send us your submission for upcoming newsletters. We’ll choose one per issue to have “the last word”. While we can’t promise to publish everyone’s letter, we do encourage anyone to post comments on our Blog at www. mangroveactionproject.blogspot.com

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