A new study published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A has unveiled that mangrove forests can play an important role in protecting coastal areas from sea-level rise happening due to climate change.

In the study, the researchers have used leading-edge mathematical simulations so that they can study how mangrove forests in New Zealand will respond to increase sea levels.

Barend van Maanen from the University of Southampton said, "As a mangrove forest begins to develop, the creation of a network of channels is relatively fast. Tidal currents, sediment transport and mangroves significantly modify the estuarine environment, creating a dense channel network".

The researchers noticed that where mangroves are not present those areas get widen from erosion and more water moves inward. But areas where mangroves are present, soil build up around mangroves' roots and it reduces wave and tidal current energy.

Even when sea level rise took place, the mangroves showed its ability to maintain an elevation in the upper intertidal zone. Karin Bryan, associate professor from the University of Waikato, was of the view that in New Zealand, mangroves are seen as undesirable.

But such is not the case in other nations, where they are considered as buffer for climate change in low level areas. Mangroves remove carbon from atmosphere and protect people from hazards like tsunami. Giovanni Coco, associate professor from the University of Auckland, was of the view that the study findings prove that mangrove forests play an important role in estuarine and salt marsh environments.