Mangrove is a type of ecosystem that can be found along with the interface between land and sea and can exist under a wide range of harsh conditions. These ecosystems provide various ecosystem and economic services. It serves as a habitat for coastal fauna, natural water breaks against tsunamis and waves, helps prevents coastal erosion, and serves as a trap for sediments from the upland. It also provides livelihood to local communities as a source of firewood and construction materials. Mangroves serve as a spawning area for different kinds of fish. Fishponds are usually built in these areas because of the favorable conditions it provides to the fishes. These also serve as a carbon sink that helps store carbon hence helping prevent the warming of the earth.
Despite these services provided b the mangrove ecosystem they are often under the intense pressure of destruction and land conversion. a sharp decline of the mangrove forest was observed in the Philippines as most of the mangroves are overexploited by coastal dwellers, conversion to agriculture, salt ponds, and settlement.
Even if you do not live near the coast you can help prevent and protect the further degradation of these natural resources. These are five ways to do so we can help protect the mangrove ecosystem.
- Recognize its importance. Acknowledging the services that the mangroves provide will help us value the resources. Once the value of the mangroves is established, the utilization of these resources will be strictly looked after.
- Support the establishment of a mangrove protection area. This area will serve as a site where mangroves will not be utilized for any other purposes. This is not only for the mangroves themselves but for the fishes that will provide more fish to the local fishermen.
- Help spread the word about the importance of mangroves. Read more about mangroves and share the knowledge with others. The more people know about the importance of mangroves the stronger the movement for the protection and conservation of the resources. Much more if we can get into the government officials that make the decisions for its utilization.
- Patronize resorts that show value to the mangrove ecosystem. Resorts that set aside spaces for mangroves to thrive. Resort owners and managers are great influencers to the tourist community. If they can educate the tourist visiting their resorts about mangroves and help the tourist understand why certain portions are not disturbed.
- Volunteer to mangrove planting activities if there are any. These would be rare but if you heard of one, it will be best to get engaged and help nurture back the resources.
In our own little way, even if we are far or are not in any way in direct contact with the mangroves ecosystem, we can still make a difference and contribute to the conservation and protection of the mangrove ecosystem.
One of my best mangrove experiences was when we did our sampling for our research in the mangrove area of Brgy. Cagutsan and Hintuan Island, Surigao del Norte.
