MANGROVE

Mangroves are tropical trees that typically occur in coastal regions in saline waters and are most commonly found in brackish waters between land and sea. They are characterized by remarkable adaptability and possess specialized root systems that enable them to thrive in the challenging conditions of marshlands, swamps, and salty coastal regions. Their distinctive roots, which protrude from the water like stilts, provide support even on soft ground. Furthermore, the roots facilitate the uptake of oxygen from the surrounding substrate, which is characterized by low oxygen levels.¹

Mangrove forests are an essential part of the ecological balance, as they prevent erosion of coastal areas. They are able to dampen the effects of storm surges and tsunamis and prevent the movement of sediments. "A mangrove forest that is 100 meters wide can reduce the wave height by up to two-thirds." (WWF Germany, own translation)² Furthermore, mangrove forests are characterized by a high CO2 storage capacity that exceeds that of terrestrial tree species. They also help to improve water quality and provide a habitat for numerous animal species. Mangrove wood is highly valued for its properties as construction timber and firewood.³ However, the sustainable extraction and conservation of mangrove forests also pose ecological and ethical challenges. There are concerns about the overexploitation and destruction of mangrove forests, which jeopardizes the ecological value of these ecosystems.⁴

"In the current report 'The State of the World's Mangroves 2021', the global area of mangroves is estimated at around 136,000 km² (2016). Although over 40 percent of the original area of mangroves has already been deforested, there is currently a downward trend in the average global loss of mangroves." (WWF Germany, own translation)⁵