Mangroves form one of the most productive and biodiverse ecosystems on earth. And they are true miracle trees, because they grow where the conditions are deadly for other plants: anchored in the salt water of the hot coastal regions, especially in South America and Asia. Their massive roots and crowns are habitats for fish, reptiles and birds. At the same time, mangroves protect coasts from floods and hurricanes, and they are a valuable weapon against climate change. Because mangroves can store five times more CO2 than other trees.
But since the 1980s, more than a third of the global mangrove stocks have disappeared: cut down for often illegal construction projects, died because fresh water inflow for the mangrove forests was stopped. This has dramatic consequences for the environment and the inhabitants of the coasts. For example in Mexico. Fish stocks are shrinking, the basis of life is disappearing – for people and animals. But more and more residents are fighting back. And scientists are developing reforestation programs.
An “NZZ Format” from Mexico about people who put themselves in danger to save the mangroves in their homeland.