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https://theconversation.com/if-we-protect-mangroves-we-protect-our-fisheries-our-towns-and-ourselves-214390>
"Mangroves might not look like much. Yes, they can have strange aerial roots.
Yes, they’re surrounded by oozing mud.
But looks can be deceiving. These remarkable shrubs and trees are nurseries for
many species of fish, shellfish and crabs. They protect our coastlines from
erosion, storm surges, wind and floods. And that mud? It’s one of the best
biological ways we know of to store carbon.
These ecosystem services are extremely valuable – but people often don’t notice
what they offer until they’re lost to aquaculture, firewood or settlement.
Conserving mangroves by declaring parks and other protected areas seems like a
logical solution. But often, nations can see protected areas as a cost, walling
them off from human use, and ignoring their benefits to people.
What our new research shows is that you don’t have to choose between nature and
humans. Protecting mangroves offers a win-win, given how valuable they are to
coastal communities, fishers and the fight against climate change.
As nations aim to conserve 30% of their lands and waters by decade’s end, those
lucky enough to have mangroves should look to their coasts."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
