Mangroves Fueling Livelihoods: A Socio-Economic Stakeholder Analysis of the Charcoal and Pole Production Systems in the World’s Longest Managed Mangrove Forest

The declining mangrove cover worldwide highlights the necessity of understanding linkages between ecological and socio-economic dimensions management. This study analyses aspects pole charcoal production systems at Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR), known as world’s longest managed forest, in Malaysia. We performed a survey to identify roles relationships among stakeholders pole/charcoal system quantified cash-flows monetary value. Altogether, 160 interviews were conducted with contractors, forest officials, workers, middle-men, consumers. contractors are functioning “hub” from commercialization receive major economic benefits. most (>80%) aims its exportation Japan while poles is local. Although workers’ income was less than minimum wage, they still prefer jobs because availability geographic proximity these jobs. Our research suggests standard salary health insurance schemes for workers reduce social inequality/poverty improve their well-being. Considering that mangroves occur over 120 countries, our methodology can be used reference unveil situation mangrove-dependent communities well map cash-flow local activities form basis long-term sustainable management plans.