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July 26 is the “International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems”. Or in short: Mangrove Day.
This day was launched by UNESCO to raise awareness of the endangered mangrove ecosystems.
Mangroves are extremely valuable trees. Here you can find out 11 amazing facts about why mangroves are so great.
Since 2016, the International Mangrove Day has been celebrated on July 26.
According to UNESCO, mangroves are a “unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem”.
In this article, you’ll learn what mangroves are, 7 vital functions, their threats and 4 more mangrove facts to share with your friends.
Let’s start with the basics and the question of what mangroves are.
Some people think that a mangrove is a tree species like a birch or a beech.
*cough*
Okay, okay, by “some” I mean myself, because that’s what I thought before I started planting trees with Click A Tree.
But now I know better and am happy to share my newfound knowledge with you.
Mangroves are tropical plants and trees that live in tidal environments.
You will find them where the coast meets the sea or other bodies of water.
Although mangroves can live in salt water, they do not need it to survive.
In short, mangrove forests are the collection of trees and shrubs that grow between water and land.
With their large roots emerging from the ground, they are not only a magical sight, they also bring with them many vital benefits for humans, animals, the sea and our planet.
As already mentioned, mangroves are extremely valuable. Otherwise there would probably be no Mangrove Day.
Here are 7 of the extremely valuable functions that mangroves perform.
At the same time, mangroves protect the coast from the constant land erosion of the sea.
This video shows this visually in 109 seconds.
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More InformationMangrove forests reduce the risk of flooding by absorbing water from heavy rainfall and storm surges.
They also serve as natural breakwaters. They stop or weaken tidal waves.
The areas behind mangroves usually get off very lightly during tsunamis.
Where the mangroves have been cut down, the tidal wave sweeps everything away far inland.
Mangroves therefore protect everything behind them: from people and houses to wild animals.
This is also wonderfully illustrated here in 59 seconds.
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More InformationDo you think it’s good? Then share this article.
Many marine creatures need mangrove forests to survive.
The water surrounding the roots is rich in nutrients and safe for young underwater animals.
Milkfish and shrimps, for example, spend their childhood days here, protected from predators.
But they also provide protection for wild animals on land.
In the Philippines alone, where we plant mangroves and collect plastic, for example, there are more than a hundred mammals and over 170 bird species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
We think this is worth protecting. What do you think?
Do you agree that mangrove forests are extremely valuable?
Then plant mangrove trees now for Mangrove Day!
Mangroves not only protect the coast from storms and tidal waves.
They are also a powerful water filter.
Mangrove roots filter pollutants out of the water before they can reach coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Every hero has their own holiday. Mangrove Day exists because mangroves are real climate heroes.
They are among the most valuable carbon stores on our planet.
We keep our calculations conservative. But an average mangrove tree absorbs almost 300 kg of CO2 over 25 years!
Not so much in the first few years, of course.
But in their best years, mangroves store up to 50 kg of carbon per year!
Planting trees means creating jobs and opportunities for local people.
At Click A Tree, we are proud to work with many dedicated people.
They are paid fairly for their dedication and hard work.
It is only holistically sustainable if all parties involved benefit.
And only then can it work in the long term.
The local people not only plant the mangrove trees, they also care for and protect them.
That is why our mangroves in the Philippines have an incredible survival rate of 93%.
If you like, you can find the story of Wilson, who is busy planting mangroves in the Philippines, here.
Now for the sad part.
Although mangroves have so many great and vital benefits, the size of mangrove areas is shrinking.
This is the only reason why Mangrove Day exists at all. To generate attention.
It’s nice that it has worked out with you before.
Now use your power and share these mangrove facts to help more people learn about the value of mangroves!
Sad fact: around a third of all mangrove forests worldwide have been destroyed since 1980¹.
The main causes of the loss of these forests are man-made:
Because there is no foothold in sight, forests have no chance to take their natural course and rebuild themselves.
That’s why our mission is to restore native tree species, create habitat and provide full-time employment with a fair salary.
Would you like to be part of our mission?
Help us create habitats and jobs by planting trees in the Philippines!
Our tree planting in the Philippines takes place on Mindanao Island, the second largest island in the country.
Figuratively speaking: Mindanao is bigger than Portugal.
To be more precise, we plant our mangroves in Balete Bay, near Sleeping Dinosaur Island.
In addition, we collect 1 kg of plastic from the sea for every mangrove planted.
Here you can find exact coordinates and further details about our mangrove project in the Philippines.
Would you like to impress your friends with your knowledge of nature?
These 4 mangrove facts will help you!
Mangroves are the only tree species that can tolerate salt water.
If they absorb too much salt, they simply excrete it through their leaves.
The underwater roots and branches create a safe space for underwater life, including many species of fish, crabs, shrimps and other crustaceans.
Depending on what someone calls a mangrove, it is estimated that there are between 54 and 80 species of mangrove ².
Scientists and researchers cannot agree on the number of species, as a distinction must be made between a true mangrove and a “mangrove associate”.
A mangrove associate tolerates salt water, but lacks other characteristics that a true mangrove has.
Mangrove species come in all shapes and sizes.
From small shrubs to tall trees of 63 meters³.
Share this article with your friends and family and tell them all these cool facts and features of mangrove forests.
The more people know how important mangroves are, the better our chances of creating large and beautiful mangrove forests.
Would you like to do more?
No problem.
Plant trees in the Philippines from the comfort of your own home.
Creating forests and habitats will not get any easier.
Even better: Plant mangroves with your company!
Whether for your customers or your team: mangroves make a real difference!
Both in marketing, in the ESG report and in real life.
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