MangroMud: Mangroves for coastal protection in Suriname
The Guianas in South America have low-lying coasts and are vulnerable for sea level rise. The coastal plane is essential for human settlement, agricultural activities and for providing domestic water. The coastal system is complex with large inputs of sediment from the Amazon River resulting in migrating mud banks along the coast. We study the long term development of the coast using satellite images, aerial photographs and models. The mangroves provide a natural protection of the coast but are under threat. By understanding the coastal ecosystem and by providing information on the dynamics of the coast we contribute to optimizing coastal management and conserve the pristine mangroves.