Project Halophyte | UNSW Sydney

Why Project Halophyte?

Mangroves are a type of halophyte — a salt-loving plant that grows in or near tidal water sources. Because of their remarkable environmental capabilities, we see global mangrove ecosystems as a green ring (a halo!) that encircles the earth, delivering better outcomes for people and the planet.

The Pacific is not on track to meet any of the 17 United Nations Development Goals by 2030"

The challenge

As in other countries around the world, the coastlines of Pacific Island countries and territories face a variety of pressures. The impacts of a warming climate and the draining of coastal areas has reduced mangrove habitat, impacted natural tidal cycles and degraded important ecosystems.

In coastal communities, the impacts have been severe:

Environmental

Changes to tidal systems have increased flooding and coastal erosion risk. Mangrove ecosystem loss is resulting in reduced carbon sequestration, declines in marine and estuarine water quality, reduced biodiversity and a decrease in sustainable fishing yields. Impact on the health and biodiversity of adjacent seagrass and coral reef ecosystems are also of grave concern.

Economic

Coastal farmers face increasing pressures due to the degradation of lands and crop yields. Decreasing profitability can lead to reduced climate resilience and wellbeing for farmers and coastal communities. Degraded coastal environments also negatively impact fisheries, coastal protection and tourism and the livelihoods they support.

Social/Cultural

Reduced income and environmental integrity has a direct impact on health, wellbeing and educational outcomes. Mangrove ecosystem loss also impacts fishing and recreation activities, increases flooding risk, and limits the harvesting of mangroves for wood, fuel products, and traditional foods and medicines.

The solution

Researchers from UNSW Sydney and the University of the South Pacific (USP) will transfer two large-scale nature-based solutions developed at UNSW and pilot them in Viti Levu, Fiji. In partnership with local communities, the research team will seek to re-instate natural tidal flows and revitalise the local mangrove ecosystems for the benefit of people and the environment.

Tidal restoration of blue carbon ecosystems

Sea walls and tidal gates interrupt normal tidal cycles, cutting off mangrove seascapes. Existing efforts to restore mangroves in these regions has typically resulted in high failure rates. A novel lifecycle approach developed at UNSW offers an alternative method to maximise outcomes and increase on-ground success. This approach:

supports the regrowth of blue carbon ecosystems, including mangrove forests
drives enhanced environmental, economic and social outcomes.

Floating mangrove pontoons: a halophyte revolution

Imagine a mangrove habitat. Now, imagine that same habitat floating as an island, providing sustainable ecosystem services and a protective shield for vulnerable coastlines. Based on techniques developed in partnership with UNESCO in UNSW wave flumes, UNSW and USP researchers are designing novel floating mangrove technology with the aim of:

reducing deforestation pressures on existing mangrove habitats
increasing coastal blue carbon sequestration
improving water quality and decreasing wave energy
integrating nature-based solutions into maritime structures
greenifying an increasingly urbanised world.

This work will underpin the natural power of blue carbon ecosystems and help rejuvenate coastal spaces that support tourism and other industries

Fiji propagules.