Mangrove–eco-geomorphic interactions modelling for nature-based solutions

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems are widely recognized for having highly valued multiple ecosystem services. These services, however, are often overlooked because of the lack of understanding of mangrove's species-specific and associated eco-geomorphological dynamics. Therefore, it will lead to a limited quantification and valuation of mangrove's functional and structural attributes. A mangrove ecosystem model capable of mechanistically simulating the feedback loop between mangrove stands and physical–environmental drivers is essentially important, specifically in the strategy of integrating mangroves as nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and mitigation. The main objectives of this chapter are to gain a better insight into complex mangrove ecosystem and eco-geomorphic interactions to predict their trajectories, the possibility of modelling those utilizing a process-based model, and explore the interactions of mangrove, mudflat, and physical–environmental drivers. Following that, this chapter introduces a new hybrid model, so-called DFMFON, achieved by coupling mangrove individual-based and landscape-scale hydro-morphodynamic models which is capable of reproducing mangrove forest dynamics and morphodynamic delta features. To conclude, the application, limitations, and future development of process-based mangrove modelling for nature-based solutions are discussed.