mangroves protect coastal land by absorbing the energy of tidal currents and storm-driven wind and wave action, creating a natural breakwater that helps stop erosion. Evidence from major storm and wave events, such as cyclone Tracy in Darwin in 1974 and the tsunami in Asia in 2004, have shown the importance of mangrove forests in reducing storm damage to fragile coastlines and property. With predicted increases in cyclones, storm surge intensity and rising sea levels associated with climate change, mangroves will become increasingly important in protecting coastal land.