Saudamini Das|Jeffrey R. Vincent
Mangroves protected villages and reduced death toll during Indian super cyclone
University of Delhi|Institute of Economic Growth|Duke University
protection coastal disasters identified important service mangrove ecosystems empirical studies service criticized however using small samples inadequately controlling confounding factors used data several hundred villages test impact mangroves human deaths 1999 super cyclone struck orissa india found villages wider mangroves coast experienced significantly fewer deaths ones narrower mangroves finding robust inclusion wide range variables statistical model including controls historical extent mangroves although mangroves evidently saved fewer lives early warning issued government retention remaining mangroves orissa economically justified even without considering many benefits provide human society besides stormprotection services