Ecosystem Services Provided by Estuarine and Coastal Ecosystems: Storm Protection as a Service from Estuarine and Coastal Ecosystems

Abstract

Proper responses to hurricanes are becoming increasingly necessary because they are occurring on an unprecedented scale with human and economic losses being greater than ever. This scenario calls for a reevaluation of the value of natural ecosystems as protective agents against the impacts of storms and hurricanes. In this chapter, we analyze and show the evidence on the effectiveness of these natural protective barriers. Disaster preparedness must go beyond emergency relief and life-saving actions, and should begin with mitigation and prevention that include a combination of environmental, social, and economic aspects.