This manual outlines the theory, methodology and analytical practices necessary to conduct effective climate change vulnerability assessments, prioritise at risk areas and implement suitable adaptation measures. It is aimed at conservationists and mangrove managers and it utilises research from three pilot studies conducted in Cameroon, Tanzania and Fiji. Interdisciplinary data collection was used in these projects to test a variety of adaptation measures, which in turn guided the direction of the applied generalised methodology. After introducing the topic of mangroves (their value, present status and threats and the potential effect of climate change), the manual gives an overview of planning a vulnerability assessment. This includes information on the pilot sites, the objectives of a vulnerability study (to identify location-specific adaptation strategies) and its overarching principles. The manual then outlines the process of conducting a vulnerability assessment. This involves data collection on such factors as sedimentation rates, sea-level trends, climate modelling and recent spatial changes. This is followed by information on interpreting a vulnerability assessment. In the methodology described, the results from data collection are synthesised with the measured criteria ranked from one to five. This allows for comparative analysis, making it possible to prioritise the most vulnerable areas and choose the most suitable and effective adaptation strategies. The manual discusses a number of possible adaptation measures available to mangrove managers:

improvement of local management
reduction of human impacts on mangroves
strengthening of legislation to protect mangroves
creating strategically protected areas
the rehabilitation of mangrove areas that have become depleted
selecting of so-called climate smart species
managing for accretion in mangroves
planning for inland migration areas
ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

The manual concludes on a sombre note, highlighting that mangrove vulnerability to climate change presents a major threat that requires coordinated action. There has to be a platform for systematically sharing lessons learned within an ongoing framework of monitoring, knowledge sharing and adaptation implementation.