Mangroves are considered tropical coastal ecosystems that are characterized by being located in a transition area between freshwater and saltwater in the ocean.
They are extremely important for humans because they have the capacity to store large amounts of carbon and reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme phenomena, such as hurricanes and saline intrusion. They also improve water quality by acting as biological filters, serve as refuges for a diversity of flora and fauna, and contribute to the maintenance of natural processes in response to changes in sea level.[1]
Main characteristics[edit | edit source]
Specialized flora and fauna[edit | edit source]
It is important to mention that there is variability in the existence of both animals and vegetation within this ecosystem because their appearance depends on the structure and composition of the forest.[2] However, it is commonly possible to find mollusks, crustaceans, crabs and shrimp. As for plants, they are adapted to high salinity conditions. Among the most common species is the mangrove (red, black, white), among others.
The mangrove tree is a tree species characteristic of mangroves. They are considered resistant trees that keep part of their trunks under salt water. This resistance is due to elements such as its filtration system, which keeps out a large amount of salt in the water, a root system that manages to keep the mangrove upright and systems that help its roots to seek the oxygen that exists on the surface. An interesting fact about this species is that its fruits are called propagules and their spear shape allows them to bury themselves in the substrate when they fall into it or float for a long time until they find a place to settle. Some of the most common mangrove species include:
- Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle).
- Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans).
- White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa).
- Button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus).
Muddy soils[edit | edit source]
Mangrove soils are formed by accumulated sediments, minerals from marine and continental environments. They are rich in nutrients but poor in oxygen. In water-saturated soils, the absence of oxygen generates reduced environments that affect the speed of decomposition and degradation of organic matter from the leaves, branches and trunks that fall from the trees that form part of this ecosystem.[3] As a consequence of the above process, the amount of carbon emitted as a gas into the atmosphere is reduced.
Natural barriers[edit | edit source]
Mangroves act as natural barriers against storms or hurricanes, reducing coastal erosion and protecting inhabited areas near the coast from flooding. According to UNESCO, a 500-meter strip of mangroves can reduce the height of waves reaching the coast by 50-99%.[4]
Why are mangroves important?[edit | edit source]
According to National Geographic,[5] mangroves benefit both humans and the other species that live within these ecosystems. To understand their importance, their ability to protect things, the control they can exert on climate change, and their role in the reproduction of species must be mentioned.
As previously mentioned, mangroves reduce the vulnerability of coastal areas to extreme natural phenomena. This reduces the risk of flooding, protecting communities located within coastal areas.
In addition, mangroves capture a large amount of CO² from the atmosphere, at least 50 times faster than any other tree. This carbon is stored in the soil and can be up to five times higher than that of any other forest. According to UNESCO, one hectare of mangrove is capable of storing 3,756 tons of carbon, a figure equivalent to what 2,650 cars emit in a year.[6]
Finally, mangroves have an impact on human survival, since the communities near these ecosystems benefit from them through activities such as fishing, extraction of forest products, obtaining drinking water, and protection from soil erosion.
Threats[edit | edit source]
It is human needs that threaten the life of mangroves. Overexploitation of their natural resources, unsustainable extraction of firewood and food such as crabs, lobsters, fish, etc., deforestation and extraction of native vegetation in the ecosystems for agricultural crops such as rice, sugar cane and palm trees. In addition, the creation of large highways, airports, and tourist developments also represent another threat to their survival.
How can mangroves be conserved?[edit | edit source]
Raise awareness[edit | edit source]
Many people are unaware of the existence of mangroves, which makes it difficult to make collective conservation decisions. It is important to create awareness about the importance of mangroves among the communities near the area where they are located, political leaders, and the general public.
Establish a legal framework that promotes their conservation[edit | edit source]
Laws and public policies that protect mangroves and regulate human activities that overexploit their resources should be constructed and implemented.
Restoration and conservation measures[edit | edit source]
It is important to implement programs, projects, or activities focused on restoration for degraded mangrove areas, including the planting of new mangrove trees or plants native to the area.
Regulation of water pollution[edit | edit source]
This involves reducing coastal water pollution by regulating industrial and domestic discharges, as well as promoting sustainable agricultural practices that minimize chemical runoff.
Tourism management[edit | edit source]
Regulate tourism in the mangrove area to avoid habitat degradation and interference with species reproduction.
Promote scientific research[edit | edit source]
This research will be of great help in understanding the mangroves better and monitoring their health over time.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ ‘’Mangroves’’. Biodiversidad Mexicana. accesed on April 8, 2024. https://www.biodiversidad.gob.mx/ecosistemas/manglares
- ↑ ‘’Manglares: qué son y por qué conservarlos’’. National Geopraphic, 26 de julio de 2022. https://www.nationalgeographicla.com/medio-ambiente/2022/07/manglares-que-son-y-por-que-conservarlos
- ↑ Lara-Dominguez, Ana Laura, et.al. ‘’El suelo: historias bajo las raíces de los manglares’’. Instituto de Ecología del Gobierno de México. acceso el 12 de abril de 2024. https://www.inecol.mx/inecol/index.php/es/ct-menu-item-25/ct-menu-item-27/17-ciencia-hoy/1718-el-suelo-historias-bajo-las-raices-de-los-manglares
- ↑ UNESCO. ‘’Día Internacional de Conservación del Sistema de Manglares’’. 26 de julio. https://www.unesco.org/es/days/mangrove-ecosystem-conservation
- ↑ Ibíd (1).
- ↑ Ibíd (4).
