Presented are summaries of various activities within a seminar organized by Unesco at Cali, Colombie, to examine scientific aspects of the mangrove ecosystem and the human impact upon it. Specifically, the aims of the seminar were: (1) to review studies on mangroves being carried out in Latin America and the Caribbean; (2) to foster contacts between researchers; (3) to promote awareness of the importance of the mangrove ecosystem; (4) to establish guidelines for a regional project for multi-purpose research and human resources training. Summaries of decisions and discussions in each of these areas are provided. Tables provide an example of a suggested curriculum for the training of systems ecologists. Suggestions for research on each region or type of mangrove are given. Conclusions and recommendations of the conference participants strongly support cooperative efforts of Latin American countries possessing mangrove areas. (CS)