The article "Coastal Ecosystem-Based Management with Nonlinear Ecological Functions and Values" by Edward B. Barbier and colleagues challenges the common assumption that ecosystem services respond linearly to changes in habitat size. They argue that this assumption often leads to an "all or none" choice between preserving coastal habitats and converting them to human use. However, their survey of wave attenuation data from various coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass beds, nearshore coral reefs, and sand dunes, reveals that these relationships are rarely linear. By incorporating nonlinear wave attenuation in estimating coastal protection values of mangroves in Thailand, the authors show that the optimal land use option may be the integration of development and conservation, consistent with ecosystem-based management (EBM) goals. This suggests that reconciling competing demands on coastal habitats should not always result in stark preservation-versus-conversion choices. The study highlights the importance of considering the true value of ecosystems and their services, which can be accurately valued through nonlinear relationships. The authors use a case study from Thailand to demonstrate how incorporating nonlinear wave attenuation functions can lead to more equitable distribution of economic benefits among stakeholders, including local communities and outside investors. This approach aligns with "best practice" guidelines for mangrove management in Asia, which recommend that ideal mangrove/pond ratios should not exceed 20% of the habitat area converted to ponds. The findings challenge the assumption that competing demands on coastal interface systems must always result in either conservation or habitat destruction, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach in EBM decision-making.The article "Coastal Ecosystem-Based Management with Nonlinear Ecological Functions and Values" by Edward B. Barbier and colleagues challenges the common assumption that ecosystem services respond linearly to changes in habitat size. They argue that this assumption often leads to an "all or none" choice between preserving coastal habitats and converting them to human use. However, their survey of wave attenuation data from various coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, salt marshes, seagrass beds, nearshore coral reefs, and sand dunes, reveals that these relationships are rarely linear. By incorporating nonlinear wave attenuation in estimating coastal protection values of mangroves in Thailand, the authors show that the optimal land use option may be the integration of development and conservation, consistent with ecosystem-based management (EBM) goals. This suggests that reconciling competing demands on coastal habitats should not always result in stark preservation-versus-conversion choices. The study highlights the importance of considering the true value of ecosystems and their services, which can be accurately valued through nonlinear relationships. The authors use a case study from Thailand to demonstrate how incorporating nonlinear wave attenuation functions can lead to more equitable distribution of economic benefits among stakeholders, including local communities and outside investors. This approach aligns with "best practice" guidelines for mangrove management in Asia, which recommend that ideal mangrove/pond ratios should not exceed 20% of the habitat area converted to ponds. The findings challenge the assumption that competing demands on coastal interface systems must always result in either conservation or habitat destruction, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach in EBM decision-making.