Bonn, 27 July 2022 (TDI): United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) brought to the world’s attention the significance of the mangrove trees.
It was stated that if the mangrove trees are cut, endangered species will be lost, as well as crucial carbon sink, and protection against floods and hurricanes.
But still, the cutting of mangrove trees has continued. UNFCCC asked the globe to commit to better protecting this crucial climate ally on Mangroves Day which was celebrated on July 26, 2022.
What happens if we cut a mangrove tree?
🐢 We lose endangered species
🌱 We lose a crucial carbon sink
🌪️ We lose protection against floods & hurricanesAnd yet, we continue to cut them down.
On today’s #MangrovesDay, let’s commit to better protect this crucial climate ally. pic.twitter.com/ig1zqIY6rr
— UN Climate Change (@UNFCCC) July 26, 2022
Importance of Mangroves ecosystem
Mangroves are an uncommon, magnificent, and prolific ecosystem. They act as a boundary between land and the ocean and play a role in the protection, well-being, and food security of coastal populations across the world.
Mangrove trees sustain flourishing biodiversity and offer fish and crabs a significant nursery environment. They serve as a natural barrier along the coast against storm surges, tsunamis, increasing sea levels, and erosion.
Large amounts of carbon are stored in their soils, which are very efficient carbon sinks. Mangrove forests also absorb five times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than land forests and help to mitigate climate change.
Loss of Mangrove trees
Mangroves are disappearing three to five times more quickly than all of the world’s forests. This has negative ecological and socioeconomic effects.
Mangroves wood is highly valuable and sold at high prices. The woods are used for the production of charcoal which results in significant deforestation of mangroves.
Often the rivers where mangroves are found are used to provide roadways, for construction purposes, and supply water to agricultural areas which disrupts the mangrove forests.
International Day for the Conservation of Mangroves
To spread awareness of the significance of the mangrove’s environment, UNESCO’s General Conference in 2015 declared July 26 as International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
The purpose of Mangroves Day is to encourage the preservation and sustainable expansion of mangroves. The aim also includes supporting conservation efforts and increasing public awareness about the value of mangroves.
