Mangroves in a transforming world: biogeochemical interactions, global change drivers, and innovative mitigation strategies

Samenvatting (Engelstalig)

Mangroves, vital components of tropical ecosystems, confront severe challenges from global changes linked to climate shifts and human activities. Understanding their responses to these forces is essential for their preservation. This thesis focuses on the the biogeochemical processes driving mangroves' responses to various drivers. The different chapters of this thesis show that mangroves are significantly impacted by global change drivers such as sargassum brown tides, rising temperatures, and local eutrophication. These impacts not only affect their functionality but also create a feedback loop of mangrove decline. Additionally, mangroves play a role in decreasing local water pH and display various forms of reproduction as adaptive responses to their surroundings. The knowledge generated in this thesis fills critical gaps in understanding mangrove ecology and can inform management practices for more efficient restoration and conservation of mangroves in interconnected tropical ecosystems.