COURSE SYLLABUS

Preamble

Coastal zones are an important part of our environment that currently provides living space for about 55 percent 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 a significant risk of degradation from human activities. In this context, the South and Southeast Asian coastal ecosystems are perhaps among the most threatened regions.

The course focuses primarily on mangrove ecosystems while maintaining an integrated approach towards management of coastal ecosystems. 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 zone, coral reef, mangrove, wet lands - 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 status of species - 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 ecosystem - Tides, temperature, rainfall, salinity, sediment characteristics etc.

1.4. Biology of mangroves

Taxonomy and genetics - Temporal and regional variation - 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 fauna of mangroves 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