Did you know mangroves absorb and store around four times more carbon than most tropical forests?
A study in Nature Geoscience journal examined the carbon content of 25 mangrove forests across the Indo-Pacific region. It found that, per hectare, mangrove forests can store up to four times more carbon than other types of forests.
Commonly known for sheltering animals and protecting communities from flooding, coastal trees also capture and store atmospheric carbon dioxide, which contributes massively to global warming.
Despite having many environmental benefits, mangrove forests continue to face threats. In 1918, the Philippines had some 450,000 hectares of thriving mangrove forests, but by 2020, latest data from the DENR-Forest Management Bureau showed only 311,400 hectares were left, prompting the need to conserve them.
How can we help?
Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) and DENR have created a nationwide mangrove map that guides conservation projects, coastal management, and scientific research to help preserve mangrove forests.
“Amid the climate emergency and destruction of mangroves, everyone has the ability to make a difference by tracking and protecting our natural resources,” said DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.
The department seeks public help in mapping mangroves across the country. To help, take photos of mangrove areas, submit them through the app, and contribute to verifying satellite data for the National Mangrove Map.
“Using satellite imagery and spaceborne data, we can develop the methodologies and algorithms to make more frequent and timely monitoring possible, and ultimately this should be directed toward supporting more sound decision-making and policies,” explained PhilSA Director General Joel Joseph Marciano Jr.
Protecting coastal trees is a win-win for us humans and the environment. As the International Day for Biological Diversity draws near, it's vital to acknowledge the importance of planting and, ultimately, conserving mangrove ecosystems that help fight climate change.