The functions of mangrove wetlands including biodiversity conservation, shoreline protection, water and atmosphere purification, coast beautification and so on are summarized. The distribution characteristics and the issues of the mangroves in Guangdong Province and in the coastal area of South China are discussed. The mangroves in the coastal area of South China are being destroyed seriously and are subject to danger. The mangrove wetland area in the coastal area of South China is only 1.5×105hm2, 70% smaller than that of the historical recode. And the one in Guangdong Province is now 9100 hm2, 38% smaller than 1.47×104hm2, the record 10 years ago. Thus, some advice and countermeasures are given, i.e. to establish the network of mangrove nature reserves, to put in practice the ecological engineering approach to mangrove restoration, to improve studies on plant introduction of mangroves and cultivation techniques for mangrove seedling, to well estimate the huge eco-efficiency of mangrove wetlands.
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