COURSE SYLLABUS

Preamble: Coastal zones are an important part of our environment that currently provides living space for about 55% of the world's population. Society draws heavily on coastal and marine ecosystems for food, building sites, transportation, recreation, and waste disposal. Coastal ecosystems (e.g., coral reefs, mangroves and wetlands) are also one of the world's richest storehouses of biological diversity and primary productivity. It is estimated that about half of the world's coastal ecosystems face significant risk of degradation from human activities. In this context, the South and Southeast Asian coastal ecosystems are perhaps among the most threatened.

The Mangroves Course focuses primarily on mangrove ecosystems while maintaining an integrated approach towards coastal ecosystem management. Particular emphasis will be given to teaching methodology for assessing, monitoring and conserving biodiversity in mangrove ecosystems. This is achieved through a multidisciplinary team of lecturers and through hands-on involvement of the participants. The course is held annually in early spring of each year.

1. Introduction

Seas and Oceans - classification, EEZ, continental area, coastal zones, coral reefs, mangroves, wetlands. Importance - food, transportation, recreation.

1.1. Roles of Biodiversity: Marine, coastal and mangrove biodiversity - Inter-relationships between ecosystems - Methods of assessing biodiversity - Importance of assessing species diversity and status - IUCN conservation speciesstatus - Status book.

1.2. Distribution of Mangroves: Old and new world mangroves - History of mangroves - Global distribution, Extent of mangroves in various countries - Past and present extent of distribution, damage and reclamation caused in the recent past.

1.3. Ecological and Environmental Parameters: Introduction to ecological and environmental conditions that affect mangrove ecosystems - Tides, temperature, rainfall, salinity, sediment characteristics etc.

1.4. Biology of Mangroves: Taxonomy and genetics - Temporal and regional variations - Morphology & anatomy - temporal and regional variations; Physiology & biochemistry - Factors affecting various growth parameters. Pollination biology - Types of reproduction, seed propagation, dispersal and establishment.

2. Identification of Mangrove Biodiversity

2.1. Flora of Mangroves and Associated Environments : Bacteria; fungi & actinomycetes; microalgae; seaweeds; seagrasses; saltmarsh and other flora - Collection, preservation and identification techniques - Factors Affecting biodiversity - Comparison of flora of mangroves and associated environments - Collection, preservation and identification.

2.2. Fauna Inhabiting Mangroves and Associated Environments: Zooplankton; epibenthos, infauna and meiofauna; prawn/shrimp, crabs and other crustaceans; insects; molluscs; fish & fish parasites; birds; mammals - Factors affecting biodiversity - Comparison of mangrove fauna and associated environments - Collection, preservation and identification.

3. Degradation of Mangroves

3.1. Importance of Mangroves: Litter production & decomposition and nutrient enrichment; biomass, food web and energy fluxes; interaction of mangroves with other allied and nearby coastal ecosystems such as coral reef, seagrass, rivers, estuaries, coastal water bodies, etc. - Importance - Damages caused - Need for conservation.

3.2. Threat Factors Affecting Mangrove Systems: Water quality parameters - Anthropogenic pressure - Types of pollutants causing damage to mangroves - Sewage, industrial, and other organic and inorganic man-made pollutants - Extent of damage - Possible remedial measures.

Coastal pollution aspects - Natural calamities- Storms, floods, coastal erosion, etc.

Fouling & boring organisms, animal grazing and human pressure

Types of pests and diseases - Identification and collection of specimens

4. Policy and Sustainable Management of Mangroves

4.1. Conservation & Management Strategies Restoration Technology - Vegetative propagation, micro propagation (tissue culture), nursery techniques, site selection, species selection, plantation techniques - Field techniques - A forestation in the field - Planting of seedlings Culture aspects of some mangrove-Inhabiting fauna of commercial importance - Laboratory techniques and field studies Peoples participatory approach - Joint forest management - socio-economics and traditional knowledge - Identifying local problems and solutions and alternatives GIS and Remote sensing applications.

4.2. Global Policies and Institutions: Management Strategies and methods- Role of Institutions - ISME, UNESCO, UNU, and other institutions - global policies and administrative problems - Conservation strategies in different countries.