AUTHOR=Hamza Amina Juma , Esteves Luciana S. , Cvitanović Marin , Kairo James G. TITLE=Global patterns of mangrove resource utilization: a systematic review JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sustainable Resource Management VOLUME=Volume 3 - 2024 YEAR=2024 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-resource-management/articles/10.3389/fsrma.2024.1395724 DOI=10.3389/fsrma.2024.1395724 ISSN=2813-3005 ABSTRACT=

Ecosystem services, encompassing the direct and indirect benefits of natural systems, are extensively studied in the context of mangroves. These carbon-rich ecosystems support coastal fisheries, shorelines, and harvestable resources to local communities. However, research on mangrove ecosystem services primarily are at a local scale, with limited exploration of global variations in resource utilization. This paper aims to bridge this knowledge gap through a systematic review of the existing literature conducted in Web of Science to assess the geographical variations in the coverage of mangrove use and ecosystem services. Out of 310 papers analyzed, Asia had the highest coverage (43%) with support to fisheries (39%) being the most researched ecosystem service worldwide. Direct use of mangrove resources exhibited regional variations, particularly in Asia, Africa, and North America. Mangrove wood, primarily used for fuel (16%) and construction (15%), was the most documented resource, with its usage persisting in low-income countries. Notably, a shift from being a primary income source to subsistence use was observed in Asia, Africa, and South America. Intrinsic and cultural services were less mentioned in the literature, emphasizing the need for future studies to focus on these areas to ensure culturally sensitive conservation efforts.