SPATIAL ANALYSIS FRAMEWORK FOR MANGROVE FORESTS RESTORATION

Mangroves are coastal ecosystems in transition between sea and land, localized worldwide on the tropical and subtropical regions. However, anthropogenic pressure in coastal areas has led to the conversion of many mangrove areas to other uses. Due to the increased awareness of the importance of mangroves worldwide, restoration methods are being studied. Our aim is to develop a framework for selecting suitable sites for red mangrove planting using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). For this reason, the methodology is based on abiotic factors that have an influence on the zonation (distribution) and growing of the Rhizophora mangle . A total suitable area of 6,12 hectares was found, where 15.300 propagules could be planted.