Q&A: VUB Master’s student on managing mangroves

What was your research about?

In general, it was about sustainable development and the use of natural resources in local communities. With my promoter at the VUB I investigated the socio-economic and ecological aspects of tropical mangrove ecosystems, to propose better management and use of natural resources while considering the economic needs of local people.

What’s the link with the UN’s Millennium Development Goals?

Our research was strongly linked to the goals, because we were considering the reduction or eradication of poverty, ensuring environmental sustainability and promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women.

Communities in Matang – the mangrove forest reserve in Malaysia where I did my research – use mangrove wood for charcoal and producing poles, activities that provide the main income for their daily living. We analysed the relationships between all the stakeholders, from the economic needs and situations of workers to the availability of wood and the productivity of the mangrove forest. That way, we were able to propose better conditions for the local people, without affecting the forest or the charcoal and pole production.

Are you happy with the award?

Yes, I’m really happy with it. I must say that my promoter, professor Farid Dahdouh-Guebas of the VUB, was convinced that our research was a strong candidate for the award – because we worked with local people who were looking for a better life.

Your roots are in Peru, but you’re currently working in Bonn, Germany, is that right?

Yes, indeed. For the next three years I’ll be working on my PhD at the university of Bonn’s Centre for Development Research. I’ll try to keep focused on my research into sustainability issues in developing countries. Luckily, in our research group there’s the chance to do field work in Peru, so I might be able to go home sooner than I thought.

Photo courtesy malaysia.wetlands.org