This is the last of a 2 part post in which I talk about the arguments for and against saving mangroves. To see part one click here.
Why Not Save Mangroves? 
There are many countries which are suffering from over population. Resources are scarce, land is scarce and people are doing the best they can to survive based on the natural resources available to them. Using the example of the Bahamas, where a great percentage of the ‘land’ is mangroves, some may argue that to set aside a portion of mangroves for development purposes would not result in the extreme depletion of fisheries resources. With proper testing, planning and development practices, developments can occur in a sustainable fashion.
Tourism activities in the mangroves such as Horseback riding, air boating, bone fishing offer people the opportunity to enjoy wildlife viewing. Additionally, this industry produces high capital income, especially for developing nations who main industry revolves around tourism. More and more schools are using mangrove parks for education and research.
What about the other ecosystems? Surely the mangroves are not the only critical ecosystems in a given country? Cities and towns are continually being developed in what was once virgin plant territory. If we take the approach of wanting to save each and every mangrove plant and community, then why not do the same with other plant communities? Mangroves represent only one ecosystem, and there are many other ecosystems which are being cut down for the sake of development in non-coastal areas and along the coastal regions of nations. To save each and every ecosystem will result in no place for man to live, no food for man to consume and no resources for man to use as shelter.
Like all natural plant communities, a delicate balance has to be found when developing. It is mans responsibility to manage the affairs of the earth and all the creatures. Consideration must be made for man to provide for his needs but not at the expense of future human, plant or animal populations. With proper testing and planning, we can both save the mangroves and utilize the mangroves for our benefit and survival.
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