Harnessing Technology for Mangrove Research in the Western Indian Ocean to Enhance Climate Change Resilience

Abstract

Mangroves in the Western Indian Ocean face increasing threats from climate change such as rising sea levels and storm surges. To increase mangrove resilience in the region, there is a need to leverage technological innovations for research, management and monitoring purposes. The aim of this paper was thus to review the role of technology in supporting mangrove research regionally. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using Google Scholar for the period 2004–2024. From 31, 934 articles retrieved, 160 records were selected for the assessment and keyword co-occurrence was conducted on VosViewer. Remote sensing, GIS and modeling techniques were highlighted as key tools for monitoring mangrove health, extent and change over time. Community engagement through participatory strategies such as PGIS was noted as effective mangrove conservation and resilience building efforts. The keyword co-occurrence analysis showed that there was a strong link between mangrove, climate change and sea level rise suggesting the importance of mangroves in coastal resilience. By embracing advancements in technology and fostering collaboration between researchers, local communities and practitioners, coastal nations’ resilience to climate change impacts can be enhanced by better managing and monitoring mangroves.