Mangroves: Our natural shield against climate disasters and rising seas

These incredible plants provide homes for countless marine creatures and shield coastal communities from the wrath of natural disasters. But that’s not all they do. Mangroves are also powerful allies in the fight against climate change, trapping carbon in their roots and in the soil, helping to reduce the impact of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Unfortunately, mangroves are facing a barrage of threats, including deforestation, pollution, and rising sea levels. It’s time to take action and support regeneration and conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.

By making a stand for the world’s mangroves, we can defend our oceans and safeguard the many species to which they are home. And it’s not just marine life that benefits – coastal communities can also breathe easier knowing that these natural protectors are standing guard. Let’s explore some of the amazing benefits that mangroves bring to our world:

Carbon Sequestration

Mangroves are one of the most effective natural tools for sequestering carbon. In fact, they store up to five times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests. This is because they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through their leaves, which they then use to build their roots and trunks. This carbon is then stored in the soil, where it can remain for centuries.

But mangroves don’t just store carbon. They also help to mitigate the impacts of climate change by protecting coastlines from storm surges and sea level rise. In fact, some studies have shown that mangroves can reduce the intensity of storm surges by up to 90%.

Biodiversity

Mangroves are incredibly diverse ecosystems that support a wide range of marine life. They provide a habitat for many fish species, including snappers, groupers, and jacks, as well as crustaceans, molluscs and sponges. Many migratory birds also rely on mangroves as a stopover site during their long journeys.

Beyond the benefits to marine life mangroves also provide a home for mammals such as monkeys, bats, and tree-climbing crabs. These animals play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the mangrove ecosystem by dispersing seeds and providing nutrients.

Coastal Protection

One of the most important benefits of mangroves is their ability to protect coastal communities from natural disasters. Mangroves act as a natural barrier against storm surges and flooding, absorbing the impact of waves and reducing the risk of erosion.

This protection is particularly important for people living in low-lying coastal areas, who are at risk of being displaced by sea level rise. By restoring and protecting mangroves, we can help to safeguard the livelihoods of these communities and ensure their long-term resilience.

Fisheries

Mangroves are an important source of food and income for millions of people around the world who rely on fishing and aquaculture for their daily livelihoods. In fact, around 75% of commercially important fish species in tropical and subtropical regions spend at least part of their life cycle in mangrove habitats.

Mangrove fisheries also provide a range of other benefits, including supporting local economies and providing a sustainable source of protein for people in coastal communities.

Water Quality

Finally, mangroves play a critical role in improving water quality in coastal areas. They act as natural filters, trapping sediment and pollutants before they reach the ocean. This helps to create a healthy ecosystem for marine life and reduces the risk of harmful algal blooms and other waterborne diseases.

How ATPI help

At ATPI, we support a mangrove restoration project in Pakistan’s Indus Delta region, known as the Delta Blue Carbon Project, through our carbon measurement, reduction and offsetting service, ATPI Halo. This project aims to restore over 11,000 hectares of degraded mangrove forest, providing habitat for wildlife, improving water quality, and sequestering carbon.

The Delta Blue Carbon Project is also creating sustainable livelihoods for local communities, by providing training and employment opportunities for people involved in mangrove restoration and monitoring. This helps to ensure the long-term success of the project, as well as supporting the local economy.

By supporting projects like the Delta Blue Carbon Project, we can help protect and restore the world’s mangrove forests, safeguarding the ocean’s ecosystems and creating a more sustainable future for all. So, this World Oceans Day, let’s celebrate the power of mangroves and commit to supporting their restoration and conservation.