What are Mangroves?
Mangroves are special trees that grow in warm, salty coastal areas, particularly in tropical regions. These trees form unique ecosystems along with other plants and animals. In these habitats, creatures from both the ocean and the land come together. Mangrove forests are crucial for young fish and other marine animals.
How do Mangroves store GHG?
Mangrove trees absorb GHG (Greenhouse Gases) from the air and convert it into oxygen (O2) and carbon (C) through photosynthesis. The carbon is stored in the leaves, branches, and roots of the trees. When leaves fall, crabs carry them into underground burrows. Additionally, ocean and river water bring plant debris and dead animals into the mangrove forest.
Slow decomposition in the sediment
Mangrove forests are regularly flooded by tides, leaving plant debris and dead animals in the forest floor. This soil is very low in oxygen and salty, which slows down the decomposition of organic materials. As a result, carbon can be stored in the mangrove soil for a very long time, sometimes even centuries.
Contribution to climate protection
Mangrove forests play a vital role in combating climate change. They store large amounts of GHG, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere. This process is known as producing “negative emissions.”
Threats to Mangrove Forests
Mangrove forests face several threats, including:
- Draining of areas for construction
- Conversion into aquaculture ponds, rice fields, or plantations
- Pollution from chemicals used in aquaculture
- Contamination from oil and garbage
- Logging for construction and fuel
Protection and Reforestation
The global area of mangrove forests is shrinking. Some countries are trying to reforest these areas, but the efforts are often not enough. More protection and better-planned reforestation measures are needed to preserve these valuable ecosystems.
Mangrove forests are essential not only for their unique biodiversity but also for their significant role in storing GHG and mitigating climate change. Protecting and restoring these habitats should be a priority for environmental conservation efforts worldwide.
