Mangrove forests are important because they:
protect coastlines against erosive wave action and strong coastal winds, and serve as natural barriers against tsunamis and torrential storms.
prevent salt water from intruding into rivers.
retain, concentrate and recycle nutrients and remove toxicants through a natural filtering process.
provide resources for coastal communities who depend on the plants for timber, fuel, food, medicinal herbs and other forest products.
can be harvested sustainably for wood and other products,
are an important breeding ground for many fishes, crabs, prawns and other marine animals, essential for sustaining a viable fishing industry. Malaysia's mangroves are more diverse than those in tropical Australia, the Red Sea, tropical Africa and the Americas. About 50% of fish landings on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia are associated with mangroves.