Résumé
Alike those of other West Indian Ocean islands, the mangroves of Mayotte cumulate various issues, especially relative to biodiversity, pressure from natural hazards and socio-economic development of the coastline. Preserving and managing these mangroves has thus become a challenge. Combining both ecological and humanities approaches has rarely been implemented in Mayotte, especially within a holistic approach where the mangrove is considered a socio-ecological system (SES). We are putting forward an interdisciplinary approach based on the framework of resilience of the SES. The aim of the project ARESMA is to improve the understanding of the interaction dynamics within the SES of mangrove. The first phase of the project identifies the societal and ecological variables of the SES and their interactions to co-construct conceptual models based on causal flow diagrams. The second phase aims at estimating and acting on the resilience of each study site by identifying which variables have a positive or negative influence on the resilience of the SES. The models are complemented with direct measurements to assess the level of resilience of each site and determine the variables that push the system over tipping points. First results help understand the effect of river input on forest and macrofauna community structure and identify key actors of the mangrove, their actions, interactions and conflicts. Tools aimed at managers will include maps to identify issues relevant to coastal flooding, good practice restauration guides, and information to improve raising public awareness. Indeed, mangrove resilience will be raised by improving their recognition as cultural and natural heritage. The results of the project will contribute to setting up an ecosystem-based management of the mangroves of Mayotte to preserve them and ensure the sustainability of their ecosystem services.