Global Journal of Human-Social Science, B: Geography, Environmental Science and Disaster Management, Volume 22 Issue 3

Figure 13: In Situ Burning of Spilled Oil e. Using Dispersants. f. Hot Water and High-Pressure Washing. g. Using Manual Labour. h. Bioremediation. IV. C onclusion Recalling that mangroves are important players in some of the greatest challenges facing the world today. They provide a defense between land and sea, absorb carbon, contribute to economic and food security, and are home to some of the most rare and colorful species. However, mangroves are disappearing at an accelerating rate consequent on many factors including oil pollution of the marine ecosystem. Only with healthy ecosystems can we enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity. UNEP research shows that mangrove ecosystems underpin global an d local economies, by supporting fisheries, providing other food sources and protecting coastlines. They are also important protectors – sheltering land and coastal communities from storms, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion. In addition, with the world at risk of a temperature rise of over 3°C this century, mangroves are an invaluable ally in the race to adapt . They extract up to five times more carbon from the atmosphere than forests on land, and protecting mangroves is 1000 times less expensive, per kilometer, than building seawalls. Clearing mangrove forests to create space for buildings, and to farm fish and shrimp – is the main driver of mangrove loss. Worldwide, this has caused the loss of 20 per cent of mangrove ecosystems. Before planting new mangroves, it is important to understand the cause of forest degradation or disappearance. In the case of pollution, over-harvesting or other causes that can be eliminated, mangroves can recover naturally. When recovery requires human intervention, it is important to follow key steps, like involving local communities, selecting native seedlings and establishing a functioning nursery Contingency planning and readiness for the management of oil spill incidents as they occur is very important to effectively protect the environment from extensive damages consequent on the spills. It is strongly recommended that prompt cleanup be effected upon any spill incident using the most appropriate selected techniques to protect and preserve sensitive habitats such as the mangrove habitat. While there is no 100% assurances of complete resuscitation of the ecosystem after effective cleanup, proactive measures to ensure preparedness must be put in place for prompt response in an emergency situation. Timely response to cleaning up the spill will not only reduce the negative impact on sensitive habitats in the ecosystem, but will guarantee sustainable co- existence in the ecosystem. Continuous monitoring and evaluation is required after the cleanup to assure quick recovery of the impacted ecosystem. R eferences R éférences R eferencias 1. Hoff, R. (ed.), 2010. Oil Spills in Mangroves: Planning & Response Considerations Office of Response and Restoration, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Seattle, WA 70pp 2. Michel, J. and B. Benggio, 1999. Guidelines for selecting appropriate cleanup endpoints. In: International Oil Spill Conference Proceedings, 1999 (1): 591–595 3. Sergy, G. A. and E.H. Owens, 2008. Selection and use of shoreline treatment endpoints for oil spill © 2022 Global Journals Volume XXII Issue III Version I 35 ( ) Global Journal of Human Social Science - Year 2022 B Oil Spills Cleanup Operations on Land and Inland Waters – The Mangroves Cleanup Philosophy