International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem 2023: Date, History, Facts about Mangrove Forests

Every year on July 26, International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed. Since 1980, half of the mangrove forests have disappeared. Some nations have lost over 80 percent of their mangrove populations.

In tropical and subtropical littoral regions, mangroves thrive. They can endure high salinity, inundation from the tides, and low oxygen levels. This is why only 110 species have been classified as mangroves that can thrive in these salt marshes.

These trees are supported by tangled roots that help them withstand tidal surges and provide a habitat for a variety of organisms, including fish and crustaceans.

Conservation of mangrove ecosystems is crucial because it prevents coastline erosion, mitigates the effects of tides and tsunamis, and reduces atmospheric carbon.

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The background of International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

The 26th of July has been designated as International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem by UNESCO’s 2015 General Conference in an effort to raise awareness of this vital ecosystem. The purpose of this day is to promote the preservation and development of mangrove forests.

Mangrove forests have considerable ecological significance. The mangrove forest’s intertwined roots serve as a nursery for numerous organisms, protecting them from predators, intense heat, and powerful tides. Coastal forests remove five times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than terrestrial forests, in addition to sustaining a rich biodiversity.

In the past 40 years, mangrove forest coverage has decreased by nearly half. Shrimp cultivation poses the greatest threat to mangroves. A significant portion of the forest is deforested to create a shrimp-breeding pond that is enclosed. It involves the extensive use of antibiotics and chemicals for disease prevention and yield enhancement. In a matter of years, the ecological equilibrium of the forests is irreparably compromised.

The timber from these forests is highly coveted and fetches high prices on the market. It is also used to produce charcoal. This results in extensive deforestation. Frequently, rivers are redirected to make room for roads and structures, or to provide water to agricultural fields. Since the majority of mangrove forests are located on estuaries, this is also a primary cause of mangrove habitat disruption.

5 FACTS ABOUT MANGROVE FORESTS

A village in Tamil Nadu, India, had planted 80,244 plants along their village’s coastline, and when the 2004 tsunami struck, the surrounding areas were inundated but the village was largely unaffected.

The Sundarban mangrove forest in West Bengal, India is the largest mangrove forest in the world, and UNESCO has designated portions of the forest as World Heritage sites.

These coastal forests are significant blue carbon systems (converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into oceanic deposits), thus serving as a crucial environmental regulator.

The leaves and bark of mangrove trees release salinity into the salty seawater, allowing the trees to withstand harsh conditions that would kill other trees.

As shelter for coral species, mangroves help combat coral bleaching.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF THE MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM DATES