Valuing our Mangrove Ecosystem

Posted on Sep 06, 2022 by heike  | Tags:

On the edge of the ocean lies a very special forest that lives both above and below the water. If you are looking for a glimpse of nature in both worlds, why not make a trip to see the mangroves?

Mangroves forests serve as natural buffers between land and sea. They are clustered along coastlines to protect against erosion caused by storms and floods. Home to a wide range of plant and marine biodiversity, mangroves are also a breeding habitat for various fish and shellfish that support ecological sustainability.

In the Asian region, many coastal communities rely on mangroves for food supplies, forest products and tourism revenue. In Bada Aceh, Indonesia, non-profit groups have started replanting mangroves to combat the effects of climate change. The mangrove roots are home to molluscs like oysters, which are in high demand at local restaurants. The grantee Natural Aceh developed a livelihood program for village entrepreneurs to learn how to cultivate oysters and earn a sustainable income.

In Krabi, Thailand the residents of Koh Klang have established several economic activities such as fresh seafood restaurants, herbal farms, water transport and homestays. The village benefits from commercial ventures vetted by marine scientists, so that villagers may also properly educate tourists and customers in the process.

If you have experienced the tranquility of a mangrove, remember that it took thousands of years for that forest to grow. Mangroves are great for carbon storage, which also means that deforestation can cause greenhouse gases to be released.

The challenge now is to preserve this high-value ecosystem by understanding and spreading the world on Mother Earth’s natural defense.