Mangrove forest ecosystem services and the social well-being of local communities: Unboxing a dilemma

This empirical study tries to reveal the complex relationship between mangrove ecosystem services (ESs) and the well-being of local communities, emphasizing the importance of this connection for achieving sustainability indicators. Mangrove ecosystems face risks from challenges such as industrial development and economic instability. In Iran, these ecosystems play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods and well-being of local communities, including the provision of edible aquatic resources, honey production, and fodder for livestock. This research seeks to identify the variables influencing the duality of ecosystem well-being and human well-being (HWB) to contribute to sustainability commitments and support the HWB of local communities. To better understand the effects of mangrove ESs on HWB, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and the Social Progress Index have been employed, examining the impact of community perceptions of these services on their attitudes. Ultimately, this research aims to clarify the complexities in the relationship between ESs-HWB of local communities through a structured questionnaire. Data were collected from 400 households across 45 urban and rural settlements. Overall, the results indicated a negative association between mangrove ESs and HWB, however, a positive perception of these ESs was find, which is linked to a favorable community attitude toward mangrove conservation. We used the FIMIX technique to revealed hidden heterogeneity in the data, and the results showed that this relationship varies across regions, influenced by cultural differences and dependence on natural resources. Local factors such as livelihoods and awareness of ESs also play a significant role in shaping community attitudes and behaviors. Our finding suggest that management programs should emphasize awareness-raising and environmentally compatible economic development, particularly through creating added value for local mangrove products, which simultaneously enhance mangrove sustainability and local HWB.