Using the Total Economic Value framework, Figure 2 below highlights the full range of economic goods and services that mangroves provide. As will be explained later, most of these values provide important socio-economic benefits as well as economic value.
Figure 2 Total economic value of mangroves
Note that organisms, habitats and ecosystems also have an ‘intrinsic value’ or worth of their own regardless of human perceptions. This is, by its very nature, impossible to give a monetary value.
The relative importance of the different direct uses, indirect uses and non-uses of Egypt’s mangroves is summarised in Figure 3. The Table is based on that in Saenger (2002), but with additions and minor amendments. It is based on field visit observations, information obtained through interviews and a review of available relevant literature. The categories highlighted in bold are those where economic values could be increased through enhanced use, management, restoration and education programs.
Figure 3 Relative importance of the different values of Egypt’s mangroves
Value category |
Present economic value |
Potential economic value |
DIRECT USES/PRODUCTS Forest resources (e.g. wood) On-site fisheries resources Wildlife resources Water supply resources Agricultural resources Forage resources Water transport resources Recreational resources Landscape Energy resources Pharmaceutical resources Genetic resources Education/Research INDIRECT USE/FUNCTIONS Shoreline protection Windbreak and storm protection Sediment regulation Nutrient retention Water quality maintenance External support (e.g. fisheries) Groundwater discharge Local microclimatic stabilization Carbon sink NON-USE VALUES Biological and genetic diversity Uniqueness and heritage |
- +++ +++ + - - ++
++ ++
+
+
++ |
+++ + - +++ +++ + ++ +++ +++
++ ++
+
+
+++ |
Notes: Adapted from Saenger (2002). Not all values are present at each site (e.g. tourism and coast protection).
Categories in bold are those where the values may be increased in some locations.
An explanation for most of these is provided in Saenger (2002). The additions, which are discussed later in this report, include the following:
• education and research;
• landscape; and
• carbon sink.
It is worth noting that many mangrove uses that are important elsewhere, such as for timber and charcoal are not relevant in the Egyptian context due to the small size of the mangrove stands and because they are legally protected from destructive uses.