Existing strategies for managing mangrove dominated muddy coasts: Knowledge gaps and recommendations

Mangrove dominated muddy coasts (MDMCs) throughout the world have been made vulnerable to erosion by human induced and natural factors. Meanwhile, their management has not been clearly identified in the literature. This study uses a comprehensive literature review to describe strategies, specifically designed to manage MDMCs for effectiveness, and provides recommendations for sustainable management of these coasts. Only a small percentage of previous studies deals with real-world management of MDMCs. Two approaches that are specifically designed to manage MDMCs are science-based approaches and local knowledge-based approaches. Both approaches, each having advantages, have had limited success in effectively managing MDMCs, with a low level of local involvement, and a minimal integration of the different knowledge systems. MDMCs and their management should be distinguished from other types of coasts to avoid possible confusion in the literature. Mechanisms are needed for integrating different knowledge systems for effectively managing MDMCs. These mechanisms should promote a high level of integration of local and scientific knowledge, local ownership, and sustainability.