International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is celebrated on July 26 each year. Since 1980, we have lost half of the mangrove forests. Some countries have lost more than 80% of their mangrove population.
Mangroves grow in tropical and subtropical coastal areas. They can withstand high salinity, tidal flooding, and low oxygen levels. This is the reason that only 110 species have been categorized as mangroves that can grow in these saline swamps.
These trees are propped on cagy tangled roots that help withstand tidal waves and provide a rich habitat for many organisms such as fishes and crustaceans.
Mangrove ecosystem conservation is important as it prevents coastline erosion, mitigates the effects of tides and tsunamis, and reduces atmospheric carbon.
History
International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, celebrated on July 26, was adopted by UNESCO in the General Conference of 2015 to raise awareness about the crucial mangrove ecosystem. This day aims to promote the conservation and sustainable growth of mangrove forests.
Mangrove forests are of significant ecological importance. The tangled roots of the mangrove forest act as a nursery for many organisms, protecting them from predators, strong heat, and forceful tides. Apart from supporting rich biodiversity, coastal forests remove five times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than terrestrial forests.
Over the last 40 years, the area covered by mangrove forests has almost halved. The major risk to mangrove forests is shrimp farming. A large part of the forest is uprooted to create a closed pond which is used for breeding shrimps. It involves excessive use of antibiotics and chemicals to prevent diseases and improve yield. Within years, the ecological balance of the forests is irreparably damaged.
The wood from these forests can be well coveted and sold for large sums. It is also used for charcoal production. This leads to severe deforestation. Often rivers are diverted to make way for roads, and buildings, or to supply water to farming fields. Since most mangrove forests are situated on estuaries, this is also a leading cause of disruption of mangrove habitat.
Credit: National Today
