WILLEMSTAD – A groundbreaking study by scientists from China and the Netherlands has revealed that mangroves along Caribbean coastlines — including those on Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba — can significantly reduce the impact of storm waves. Using a newly developed, easy-to-apply method, researchers have quantified the protective effect of mangrove forests during extreme weather events, offering a valuable tool for coastal managers across the region.
Developed by Sun Yat-Sen University in China in collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), the method — dubbed the “HU-method” — is based on global data collected during major storms, including typhoons in Asia. The researchers found that a mangrove belt just 100 meters wide can reduce storm wave height by as much as 50 percent, highlighting the forests' crucial role as a natural coastal defense system.
A Simple Yet Powerful Tool
Unlike complex models that require detailed measurements of trees and water flow, the HU-method provides a straightforward way to estimate the wave-reducing power of mangroves using limited local data. "This new approach allows even low-income coastal communities to assess how well their mangroves are protecting them," said Tjeerd Bouma of NIOZ.
The method relies on a mathematical relationship between wave height and the Ursell number — a factor that measures the non-linearity of waves. Because it can be applied with minimal field measurements, it is especially useful for local governments, conservation groups, and engineers working with limited resources.
Implications for Curaçao and the Wider Caribbean
Mangrove ecosystems across the Caribbean are under increasing pressure from coastal development and environmental degradation. The findings from this new study present a compelling case for their restoration and protection, particularly on islands like Curaçao where urban growth continues to encroach on natural habitats.
“Mangroves are more than just storm buffers,” Bouma explained. “They sequester carbon, filter water, and provide critical habitats for diverse marine species. Their conservation contributes to both climate resilience and ecological health.”
The team behind the HU-method plans to expand its application by developing it into an accessible digital tool or mobile app, enabling real-time risk assessments and guiding coastal policy decisions.
Global Impact, Local Solutions
Published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study emphasizes the immense cost-saving potential of nature-based solutions. The researchers argue that investing in the preservation and rehabilitation of mangroves could save billions in man-made coastal defenses worldwide.
For Caribbean islands facing rising sea levels and intensifying storms due to climate change, this research underscores the importance of embracing natural infrastructure — not just for environmental reasons, but for long-term economic and social resilience.
