Mangroves are rare, spectacular ecosystems on the boundary between land and sea. These ecosystems contribute to the well-being, food security, and protection of coastal communities. They hey support a rich biodiversity, provide a valuable nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans; a food source for monkeys, deer, birds, even kangaroos; and a source of nectar for honeybees. Although they are found in 123 nations and territories, they represent less than one percent of all tropical forests worldwide, and less than 0.4% of the total global forest estate.
Mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts. Current estimates indicate that mangrove coverage has been divided by two in the past 40 years. The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem celebrated each year on 26 July aims to raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as "a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem" and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses.
"We are working to protect mangroves and to better support scientific research into these environments. However, we cannot do this alone. We also need you." Audrey Azoulay Director-General UNESCO
Managing and restoring mangrove ecosystems is an achievable and cost effective way to help ensure food security for many coastal communities. Mangroves act as a natural coastal defence against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion. Mangrove ecosystems are highly effective carbon sinks sequestering vast amounts of carbon within the soil, leaves, branches.
One hectare of mangrove can store 3,754 tons of carbon - the equivalent of taking 2,650+ cars off the road for one year.
Experts estimate that carbon emissions from mangrove deforestation account for up to 10% of emissions from deforestation globally, despite covering just 0.7% of land coverage.
UNESCO marine World Heritage sites host 9% of global mangrove carbon assets in 50 marine sites across 37 nations.
The inclusion of mangroves in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites and UNESCO Global Geoparks contributes to improving the knowledge, management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems throughout the world.
Source: unesco.org
LET'S FIGHT TO SAVE WORLD ECOSYSTEMS
VAKOVAKO will soon fight to save world ecosystems. 100 % of all donations given via our app to „WORLD ECOSYSTEMS“ area will by transfered to related NGOs. Let’s help them expand their activities together.