Traditional and medicinal uses of mangroves

Over the centuries mangroves have been exploited at a sustainable level for firewood, construction of buildings, medicine and in times of famine as food. In more recent times, possibly due to the increasing importance placed on cash crops, tourist development and population pressures, large areas of mangrove forests around the world have been cleared.

The traditional and medicinal uses of mangroves will be lost if the level of destruction of mangrove forests outstrips its sustainable use. International agencies, governments, coastal communities and scientists along with many other organizations are recognising the socio-economic and environmental importance of mangrove ecosystems.

AIMS researcher Dr. W.M. Bandaranayake has published a paper on traditional and medicinal uses of mangroves. (Published in Mangroves and Salt Marshes 2: 133-148, 1998. Kluwer Academic Publishers). The paper describes the many and varied uses that have traditionally been used throughout the centuries.

For further information contact:
Dr. W.M. Bandaranayake, AIMS
E-mail: banda@aims.gov.au

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Last updated - December 18, 2008

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