A natural, low-tech solution to tsunamis: mangroves | csmonitor.com:
MADRAS, INDIA – As nations around the Indian Ocean discuss plans for a tsunami early-warning system, environmental scientists here point to an existent, natural form of disaster minimization: mangrove forests.
The coastal trees and shrubs saved the lives of hundreds of people last month, and could save thousands more in the future if further cultivated.
Turns out that their presence on the shoreline of many places — the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico have them as well — is not just for their benefit. But they have been stripped away in a lot of places for firewood: sounds like a development project waiting to be funded. If it takes just 5 years to establish a grove, we could see a very reasonable form of insurance for people who could use it.
[found in Rebecca’s Pocket]
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