Controlling vector-borne disease incidence in mangrove restoration sites using drones

Effective mangrove restoration can serve as a Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for disease control and help improve the health of coastal communities. This article explores how restoring mangroves can significantly reduce disease transmission by enhancing habitats for natural predators of disease vectors and creating ecological conditions that limit vector populations, particularly mosquitoes. Herein, we propose ten drone-supported strategies through which targeted mangrove restoration minimize disease risks, which include: i) restoring hydrological connectivity, ii) employing diverse planting methods, iii) engaging communities through visualizations, iv) monitoring and maintaining restored areas, v) integrating vector management, vi) selecting optimal sites based on vector habitats, vii) early detection of tree mortality, viii) tracking wildlife populations and movement, ix) real-time data collection and analysis, and x) predictive modeling under climate change scenarios. Our aim is to align public health goals with mangrove ecosystem management using accessible, low-cost drones. We underscore the potential of effective mangrove restoration in presenting a sustainable solution to the growing threat of vector-borne diseases in coastal areas, which can benefit ocean health, human well-being and environmental resilience.