Ecosystems in their own right
Mangroves are ecosystems along tropical coastlines. They are characterized by interlaced, forest-like vegetation. Their best-known trees are mangroves, whose roots “stilt” in the open air and settle in the muddy deposits of estuaries and lagoons.
space for biodiversity
The mangrove is an important area of biodiversity, home to many species: shellfish, fish and other species such as snakes, lizards, turtles, otters, crocodiles and an incredible diversity of birds that feed on the mudflats.
Current Mangrove Situations
The current state of mangroves worldwide deserves our attention. Today, 50% of them are threatened with collapse. This is due to
- Deforestation for agriculture and urbanization,
- Aquaculture,
- Pollution, also plastic, reaches here and disturbs nature
- The construction of dams, but also
- Climate change and the ever-increasing frequency of violent storms.
Geographical distribution of mangroves
A veritable forest on stilts between land and sea, mangroves are found in the tidal rocking zone of bays and estuaries in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of the world. Representing less than 1% of the world’s forests, they are found in 120 tropical and subtropical countries and territories, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, Mexico and Australia.
Why protect mangroves?
Yet mangroves are important ecosystems that must be protected for a number of reasons:
- The biodiversity they contain and the habitat they provide for many species, since they are nurseries for fish and other marine species.
- Coastal protection as a barrier against storms and tsunamis
- Economic importance too, since they also support fishing and ecotourism.
- Socially, they provide essential resources to local communities and have significant cultural value.
What are Mangroves good for?
Climate regulators :
Mangroves serve to sequester carbon: they can extract up to 5 times more carbon from the atmosphere than terrestrial forests, as they absorb CO2 and store it deep in the soil. By extension, they combat global warming.
- They also play a role in water filtration, helping to purify coastal waters as well as the environment.
- coastal protection
- Mangroves help stabilize soils: preventing coastal erosion
Actions and Solutions for Mangrove Protection
To protect mangroves, it is crucial to support local and international conservation initiatives. Governments and NGOs play an essential role in implementing sustainable management practices and restoration projects. Raising public awareness and educating the public about the importance of mangroves is also crucial to ensuring their long-term protection.
Conclusion
Mangroves are essential ecosystems that deserve our attention and protection. Everyone can contribute to their preservation by adopting responsible consumption practices, supporting conservation projects and raising awareness among those around us. Let’s protect our mangroves for a more sustainable and harmonious future.
At Mangrose, we take mangroves to heart: we love this rich and unique ecosystem, which also protects us from climate change.
Let’s celebrate and protect mangroves.
