Mangrove Afforestation and Reforestation in Coastal Areas of the Bushehr Province

Given the pressure of population growth, economic difficulties, and climate change, the mangrove forests of Iran need a management plan based on forest protection, reforestation, and afforestation. In this study, the sustainability of mangrove forests in coastal areas of the Bushehr Province in the north of the Persian Gulf was evaluated using two criteria including “extent of forest resources” and “forest health and vitality” from 1993 to 2009. Indicators of area changes, density changes or survival rate, natural regeneration establishment, and height growth were measured as part of the assessment method. Google Earth images were visually interpreted, and a random sample technique was used. A total of 70 circular samples of 100 m2 were chosen. The results showed that Avicennia marina was planted in 7 sites in Kangan and Dayyer townships on the coasts of the Bushehr Province. Out of 370 ha of the plantation, only 42.4 ha remained, showing an area reduction of 88.5% and an average survival rate of 48.5%. Forest planted density averaged 6635 seedlings per hectare which has decreased by 69.5% (i.e. 4611 seedlings/ha). The decreased area in the Khan site was 91% and in the Basatin site was 52.5%. It is necessary to take into account management measures to improve the status of forest sustainability indicators on the coasts of the Bushehr Province, especially in the process of site selection, to improve the success rate of reforestation and afforestation plans.