The major reasons for degradation of this valuable ecosystem include deforestation, pollution, unsustainable harvesting practices and other land use changes.
Anthropogenic and climatic factors are threatening this valuable ecosystem which makes conservation and management of mangroves of prime importance.
[2] Traditionally local communities managed the mangroves but during the colonial and post-colonial periods these forests came under the control of state government which gave incentive to farming and other land use changes.
[4] The indigenous knowledge of local communities has been recognized by government and other funding agencies three decades ago, bringing about a shift in conservation and management approaches of mangroves.
The government is no longer recognized as primary steward - involvement of communities and their traditional knowledge is being appreciated and promoted.
A system dedicated completely to the conservation of biodiversity or a practice committed to greater economic benefits is not appropriate for long term sustainability of the CBMM approach.
The major motivation for management was increased timber and charcoal production, ignoring ecological benefits of mangrove forests.
[3] An optimized land use plan should be implemented giving balanced attention to mangrove protection, shrimp ponds, infrastructure, agriculture development, coastal fisheries, and biodiversity conservation.
[5] Mangrove products are the main source of income for coastal communities who are generally financially backward and marginal ones.
The major reason for the success of CBMM in Thailand is the voluntary participation of locals in the program which were further strengthened by support of suitable technologies.
[10] The study in Volta estuary of Ghana indicates the primary motivation for participants in conservation and management of mangroves are livelihood and economic benefits.