Mangroves are a type of tree that grows along the coast in salt water. They have special roots that can handle the salt and help protect the land and animals. They can even help clean the water and ensure there isn’t too much flooding during storms. They are essential for the environment and the animals that live near them.
A closer look at how they help the environment
Mangroves are important ecosystems found in Cebu that play a vital role in mitigating the effects of climate change. These trees are adapted to grow in saline coastal habitats, where they act as carbon sinks, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Source of image: https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-news/2017/04/22/1687816/observance-earth-day-denr-plant-40t-mangroves-do-coastal-clean-today
In addition, mangroves provide numerous benefits to the environment and the local communities. They serve as a natural barrier against storms and erosion, protecting the coastlines from damage. They also provide habitats for numerous species of fish, crabs, and other marine organisms, supporting local fishing communities.
Furthermore, the roots of mangroves help to filter pollutants from the water and prevent soil erosion. They also contribute to the production of oxygen and reduce the risk of floods by absorbing and retaining large amounts of water during heavy rain.
Image Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/mangroves-trees-rocks-river-nature-5205415/
Therefore, protecting and preserving mangroves in Cebu is crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change and sustaining the local ecosystem. It is important to raise awareness of the significance of mangroves and to implement policies and initiatives that encourage their conservation and restoration.
Final Thoughts
The importance of taking care of a specific part of an ecosystem no matter how minute it is plays a big role in the entirety of the survival of other smaller and bigger life forms and that includes us humans. It is our utmost responsibility to take care of and safeguard nature which gives us so much life and expects nothing back in return. We are the guardians of our own Earth and no one else.
Source:
Fabro, Keith Anthony “Healthy mangroves build a resilient community in the Philippines’ Palawan” Conservations News, 29 August 2022, https://news.mongabay.com/2022/08/healthy-mangroves-build-a-resilient-community-in-the-philippines-palawan
Primavera, J. H. (2004). Philippine mangroves: status, threats and sustainable development. In M. Vannucci (Ed.), Mangrove Management and Conservation: Present and Future (pp. 192–207). Tokyo, Japan: United Nations University Press.