fao.org: CHAPTER 1 PROTECTION FROM TSUNAMIS. Thematic paper: The role of forests and trees in protecting coastal areas against tsunamis Citat: "...Shuto (1987) outlined different ways in which coastal forests may reduce tsunami impact and asserted that a forest is effective for several reasons: 1) it stops driftwood and other flotsam; 2) it reduces water flow velocity and inundation depth; 3) it provides a life-saving snare for people swept off land by a tsunami run-down; and 4) it amasses wind-blown sand and create dunes, which serve as a natural barriers against tsunamis. However, it is important to note that, in the case of a large tsunami, narrow belts of trees or forests may be ineffective in providing protection, and in some cases may even create more damage because of uprooted trees flowing inland. In relation to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, anecdotal feedback and scientific studies indicated that mangroves had saved lives and resources...Plate 1.5 Ikonos imagery before and after the 2006 West Java tsunami shows how vegetation reduced tsunami impact at Pangandaran Beach (source: CRPS www.crips.nus.edu.sg/)...The results of the simulation show that the coastal forest would have mitigated the impact of the 1994 East Java tsunami..."