Mangrove Destruction Put Myanmar at Risk

In the aftermath of the cyclone, many scientists believe that Myanmar’s lack of mangroves, cut down for wood and to make way for shrimp farms and development, increased the impact of the cyclone and the loss of lives and damage of Burma’s coastal regions.

Scientists search for clues to the underlying causes of the devastating destruction in Myanmar. Jeffrey McNeely, chief scientist at the International Union for Conservation of Nature, tells host Bruce Gellerman the loss of mangroves, cleared for wood and to make way for shrimp farms and tourist development, led to major flooding and the loss of lives.

Mangrove Destruction Put Myanmar at Risk - The World from PRX