A mangrove is an ecosystem that forms in estuaries; places where the fresh water of the rivers has contact with the salty water of the sea.
This peculiar situation caused the vegetation to adapt to the site, giving rise to hydrophilic plants; plants that are capable of absorbing salt from water, without drying out.
They owe their name to the trees that grow there; mangroves. In addition to their beauty, the richness of nutrients in these places, both on the surface and in the water, make them ideal for wildlife.
These are home to a wide variety of species, aquatic and terrestrial, such as pelicans, herons, monkeys, hawks, crocodiles, otters, turtles and a wide variety of fish can be found here, many of them in danger of extinction. Certain migratory birds they find a temporary refuge here and are home to young instars of many mollusks and fish; so they are important to the fishing industry. Likewise, its usefulness extends to the timber sectors.
But its usefulness goes beyond the economic sectors exploited by humans, these ecosystems play a very important role in the balance of other biomes, and of the planet's climate. The vegetation is very resistant, so they serve as a barrier on the coasts; they protect the trees that are further inland and capture the sands, which slows the erosion process of the coastal areas. They capture Carbon Dioxide CO₂ from the atmosphere and purify sewage water.
Mangroves are present in tropical areas in Latin America, Africa, South Asia and Oceania. In Mexico, the Mangrove Monitoring System of Mexico (SMMM) estimates that, based on the 2015 monitoring, there are 775,555 ha of mangroves distributed throughout 17 states of the republic.
However, in its initial count of 1981 there were 856,405 ha, which indicates a slow but progressive reduction in the last 30 years; its disappearance is due to the modification of the environment for the construction of beaches, hotels or tourist sites.
Therefore, we must be aware, the mangrove area is a very important biome, for the reasons stated above, and their disappearance would have a very large negative impact on the balance of the planet.
Since 2016, the International Mangrove Day has been celebrated on July 26, with the aim of emphasizing its importance and ensuring its survival. We must all do our part and contribute to regulating the over-exploitation of the world's resources.
Frequently asked questions from our readers:
International Mangrove Day is celebrated on July 26 every year to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and promote their conservation.
International Mangrove Day is celebrated on July 26 every year to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and promote their conservation. It was established by UNESCO in 2015.
The celebration of this day aims to highlight the benefits and importance of mangroves for the ecosystem and human well-being.
The way this day is celebrated may vary by country and community, but generally includes educational activities, mangrove clean-up campaigns, tree planting, conferences, plays, photography exhibitions, and documentary screenings about mangroves.
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Last modified: April 14, 2024
