Although they are regarded as one of the most important ecosystems, mangrove forests are among the most threatened habitats in the world, and mangrove loss is rampant across the globe. By some estimates, less than 50 percent of the world’s mangrove forests were intact at the end of the 20th century.
Importance and Benefits of Mangroves
Mangrove ecosystems provide a multitude of goods and services for people, including: provision of food and clean water (provisioning services), influence climate regulation, soil composition regulation and disaster risk reduction (regulating services), and recreational and spiritual space (cultural services).
Mangroves protect coastal areas and communities from hurricanes, tsunamis, flooding and erosion. Mangroves can reduce up to 66% of wave height - reducing coastal erosion and flood risk
Mangroves safeguard coral reefs from sedimentation.
Mangroves act as huge carbon stores. Vast quantities of carbon are tied up both in the living trees of the mangrove forests and in their rich soils.
Mangroves even adapt to rising sea levels by increasing its soil height.
Mangroves serve as marine nurseries for many species and are a hugely important habitat for biodiversity and wildlife.
Mangroves are among the world’s most productive fishing grounds, yielding vast numbers of fish, crabs, shrimps and molluscs. Tens of millions of people rely on such fisheries, and without them would lose their primary source of protein, work or income.
Mangroves offer great opportunities for eco-tourism and recreation through wildlife viewing, bird watching and other recreational activities such as kayaking and boat tours.
Find out about The Mangrove Action Project - mangroveactionp...
5 окт 2024
