UNESCO Biosphere Reserves

A Biosphere Reserves has three functions :
1. a conservation function, contributing to the conservation of landscapes, species and genetic variation,
2. a development function, fostering economic development which is ecologically and culturally sustainable,
3. a logistic support function for research, education, training and monitoring.
Biosphere Reserves are organized into 3 inter-related zones in order to enable them to carry out the different activities involved :
a core area for the long-term protection of biodiversity,
a buffer zone around or next to the core used for recreation, education, research and sustainable resource use, complatible with the ecosystem conservation objectives,
an outer transition area used for agriculture and other rural activities, including human settlements. It is here that the local communities, nature conservation agencies, scientists, non-governmental organizations, cultural groups, and other stakeholders work together to manage and develop the area resources in a sustainable manner.

Why are the mangrove forests important?

No mangroves : No fish

No mangroves : No prawns

No mangroves : No mud crabs

Mangrove trees provide a source of food for many marine animals. They also provide shelter from predators in their complex root systems for young shrimp, crabs and fish. In this way, mangrove forests support Ranong's fishing industry, providing employment, food and other economic benefits for a large number of people.

No mangroves - no wood

Mangroves are an important source of wood which local people use to construct their houses and fishing equipment as well as for cooking fuel.

No mangroves, no coastal protection

Mangrove forests protect the coast from erosion during the Southwest monsoon. In areas where mangroves have been cut back the coastline erodes each year exposing villages to storm damage.

Mangroves-seagrass - coral reefs linkage

Mangroves maintain coastal water quality by trapping sediments and filtering nutrients carried down by river systems. This is important for seagrass and coral reefs growing offshore as they grow best in clean/clear water.