Observations of Natural Recruitment and Human Attempts at Mangrove Rehabilitation After Seismic (Tsunami and Earthquake) Events in Simeulue Island and Singkil Lagoon, Aceh, Indonesia - Post-Tsunami Hazard: Reconstruction and Restoration - page 316

Fig. 19.7 Natural mangrove recruits B. gymnorhizza buried alive by rapidly changing sedimenta-
tion patterns (Source: Blue Forests/author)

19.6 Conclusion

It is clear that increased attention is paid to use of proper assessment methods when
selecting mangrove rehabilitation sites. Examples of appropriate assessment tools
include; (a) assessment chapters in Ecological Mangrove Rehabilitation - A
Practitioner's Manual (Lewis and Brown 2014 ), and (b) Tsunami Damage to
Terrestrial Coastal Ecosystems Common Guidelines and Methodology for Rapid
Field Assessment (IUCN 2005 ).
In a post-disaster scenario, rapid assessments methods are required, but for
obvious humanitarian reasons, rehabilitation planning should take place only after
stabilization and resolution of major humanitarian issues (trauma, water, food and
shelter). In cases where drastic geomorphological change has taken place, a long
period of observation may be necessary before action taking. Resource intensive
activities, such as nursery development and mangrove planting should not be con-
sidered in an initial period, if at all. Human assistance in collecting and distributing
propagules to promote natural regeneration should be considered, coupled with
careful monitoring of human assisted versus natural recruitment (Fig. 19.8 ).
Where mangrove planting projects have been attempted by governments,
NGO's, and communities, without rigorous methodologies, failure can lead to