Amidst the tides and tangled roots of coastal ecosystems, lies a superhero in disguise – the mangrove! These underappreciated protectors of the shoreline are more than just a pretty sight; they’re nature’s engineers, shielding us from storms and nurturing marine life. But that’s not all they do. Here are 5 other ways nature’s bodyguards help save the planet.
World Mangrove Conservation Day 2023
Mangroves are natures own disaster manager. Just 20 seconds to understand how it protects us from Tsunami, Cyclones & storms. Today is #MangrovesDay.
Courtesy; Dutch research institute Deltares. pic.twitter.com/zxHohdCkbQ
— Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) July 26, 2023
Every year on July 26, the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed. This day aims to raise awareness about the significance of mangrove ecosystems, which are recognized as unique and vulnerable.
Furthermore, it strives to offer solutions for sustainable management, conservation, and responsible use of these valuable habitats. In 2015, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially adopted this day. It was in honour of the late Greenpeace activist, Hayhow Daniel Nonoto.
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He tragically passed away from a heart attack during a protest advocating for the restoration of mangrove wetlands in Muisne, Ecuador, on July 26, 1998, states GK Today.
5 Ways The Plantation Helps Save The Planet
Mangroves are coastal guardians with their intricate root systems, that play a crucial role in protecting our shores and supporting marine biodiversity. They serve as natural buffers against storms, shielding communities from the fury of waves and winds.
1. Deforestation
Mangroves and their dense root systems anchor the soil and prevent erosion, making them effective natural barriers against coastal land loss. This helps create better ground and soil for plantation, promoting more flora and fauna around us.
2. Tsunamis
Their thick root systems act as strong walls, dispersing the force of tsunami waves and reducing their impact on coastal communities. The intricate network of roots also helps to stabilize the shoreline. Mangroves create an environment with species which are salt tolerant. And they also act like a buffer and slow down wind & consume energy.
3. Provide a breeding habitat for fish and birds
By creating an environment that is safe and clean, Mangroves promote a great breeding ground for fish in its surrounding water. The marsh lands also as act nature’s own conservator when it comes to birds of various species.
4. Act as a carbon sink
Mangroves act as a carbon sink, absorbing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. They thereby contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gases and help in combating climate change.
5. Prevention against Pollution
Lastly, now that the mangroves anyway do so much for us, why not save us against pollution too? The plantation also acts as a natural filter for water and air, purifying the ecosystem.
Conservation of mangroves is not just a topic of discussion but something that needs serious action. Cutting down mangroves to make roads, buildings etc will only prove detrimental to the earth’s future.
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Let us know in the comments what you’re doing to help save the mangroves.
Cover image courtesy: Canva (Representative image)