July 26, International Mangrove Conservation Day, reminds us that these unique ecosystems between land and sea support rich biodiversity, protect coasts from storms and erosion, support food security, and effectively sequester carbon.

Yet, mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than total forest loss globally, with serious ecological and socioeconomic consequences. According to current estimates, the area of mangroves has halved over the past 40 years.

Haiti is now one of the countries with the highest deforestation rates. Its tidal marsh ecosystem, in particular, now represents only 30% of the coastline. The greatest threat to mangroves is the cutting of trees for charcoal production, an important cooking fuel.

Over the years, several mangrove restoration projects have been launched in Haiti, many of which have been abandoned due to a decline in interest. Today, increasing violence prevents restoration teams from working on the ground.

This Day raises awareness of the importance of mangroves and promotes their sustainable conservation, as their increasing loss has serious ecological and socioeconomic consequences.

Did you know ?

- One hectare of mangroves can store 3,754 tons of carbon, equivalent to the carbon emissions of more than 2,650 cars for a year;

- Mangroves are a natural coastal defense against storm surges, tsunamis, sea level rise, and erosion;

- A 500-meter strip of mangroves reduces wave height by 50 to 99%;

- Mangroves reduce vulnerability to natural hazards and strengthen resilience to climate change.

Learn more about mangroves :

Mangroves are tidal marsh ecosystems that include specific, primarily woody plants that thrive in the "foreshore" zone between the limits defined by the highest and lowest tides. In all mangroves, different types of mangrove trees are found, both shrubs and trees, that tolerate saline environments and thrive in shallow tropical coastal waters. Mangrove roots limit coastal erosion and protect communities from tropical storms, while also providing a fragile ecosystem rich in marine invertebrates and juvenile fish.

Also read about mangroves in Haiti :

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-43020-icihaiti-environment-awareness-day-on-the-protection-of-mangroves.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-39341-icihaiti-notice-great-day-of-mangrove-reforestation-in-les-cayes.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37630-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-30022-icihaiti-environment-restoration-of-wooded-areas-and-mangroves.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-23119-haiti-environment-transplantation-of-85-000-mangrove-seedlings.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-22870-haiti-environment-development-of-the-beekeeping-industry-in-the-south.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-12469-haiti-environment-extremely-worrying-situation-of-mangroves.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-8991-haiti-environment-order-protecting-the-mangroves.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-8601-haiti-agriculture-repopulation-conservation-rehabilitation-and-management-of-mangroves-in-the-south.html

HL/ S/ HaitiLibre