Global Threats Pose Peril to Mangrove Forests
A great deal of mangrove forests around the world are in a sorry state, with one out of every five being at risk of disappearing entirely, as per an analysis by the World Conservation Union. The most alarming aspect is that humans are the main culprits behind this damage. Strangely enough, we still rely heavily on these very forests.
For World Biodiversity Day, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) had some unfortunate news: recent research suggests that almost half of all mangrove forests on the planet are categorized as "endangered." The situation is even more dire in certain areas. The potential loss of mangroves could lead to a catastrophe for both nature and people globally, claims the report.
The IUCN indicates that approximately 15% of the world's shores are covered in mangrove vegetation, which adds up to around 150,000 square kilometers. These forests typically grow along the shores of tropical and subtropical regions. What sets mangroves apart from most other plants is their ability to thrive in salty-sweet water, often known as brackish water - a mix of seawater and freshwater. The roots of these trees and shrubs serve as a home for many species of fish. They provide protection against floods and storms as natural barriers, help store vast amounts of carbon dioxide, and play a crucial role in the livelihoods of fishermen.
The findings of the study show that 50% of mangrove habitats are in a deplorable state, as they have been classified as "vulnerable," "critically endangered," or "endangered" by the IUCN. This translates into 20% of all mangrove forests being "critically endangered" or "endangered." As a result, the Director-General of the World Conservation Union, Grethel Aguilar, urged the implementation of "collective conservation measures for mangroves."
Deforestation, contamination, and dams
These valuable coastal ecosystems are under threat primarily due to the consequences of climate change, deforestation, water pollution, and the building of dams. Climate change poses a considerable risk to a third of the mangrove ecosystems studied because of rising sea levels. The IUCN believes that within 50 years, 25% of the world's mangroves will be underwater. Regions at greatest risk include the Northwest Atlantic, the northern Indian Ocean, the Red Sea, the South China Sea, and the Gulf of Aden.
The IUCN assessed the status of mangrove forests in 36 regions worldwide using the criteria of its Red List for the first time. This comprehensive study reveals the precarious condition of these important ecosystems.
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- The environmental pollution and dam construction are contributing factors to the vulnerability of mangrove forests in the South China Sea, which is identified as one of the regions at greatest risk due to sea level rise.
- To address the issue of environmental degradation, it's crucial to incorporate marine research and education into conservation efforts, particularly focusing on the importance of mangrove ecosystems, such as those found in the Red Sea, for both nature and human communities.
- The ecosystem loss of mangroves, exacerbated by climate change, threatens several critical functions they provide, like fish habitat, storm protection, and carbon storage, necessitating stricter environmental protection policies and practices worldwide.
- Effective environmental protection strategies, such as reducing pollution, preserving existing mangrove ecosystems, and promoting sustainable development, will be essential in ensuring the continued survival of these vital coastal habitats, like those under threat in the Northwest Atlantic and the northern Indian Ocean.
Source: www.ntv.de
