EcoNomics

Much is being said lately about the widespread destruction of mangroves here in Phuket. All too often they might appear to the casual observer to be unsightly or of little value but that's far from the truth. Though it's fairly common knowledge that the areas provide a substantial food chain for nature how do you equate this to financial EcoNomics?

Recently in a comprehensive report by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) studies were made in valuation of the mangroves. One example was Vietnam where in excess of THB 230 million was saved on flood dike upkeep.

Another example was coral reefs where fishing and tourism were important components of the economy. The spin on a larger fish population and tourist's crunched high values for every multiple square meter of reef, which was retained.

In final analysis perhaps it's easier to work towards preservation then costly restoration programs in saving the natural attributes of Phuket's fragile mangrove and coral reef ecosystem.