Forces of Nature : Assessment and Economic Valuation of Coastal Protection Services Provided by Mangroves in Jamaica

Jamaica, like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is at high risk from coastal hazards due to its exposure to tropical storms, high levels of coastal development, vulnerable coastal communities, degradation of coastal ecosystems and the predicted impacts of climate change. This analytical product, the "Assessment and Economic Valuation of Coastal Protection Services Provided by Mangroves in Jamaica" is an important product that supports the Government of Jamaica’s ‘National Development Plan Vision 2030’, through efforts to secure a healthy natural environment reduce hazard risk and adapt to climate change. This product is linked to the ongoing World Bank Jamaica Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) and will also provide value to Jamaica’s Resilience Agenda. This product examined the current status and risks of mangrove habitats in Jamaica, identified and assessed ecosystem services, especially coastal protection, and looked at the costs and benefits of mangrove conservation.