Mangroves are some of the most important carbon sinks on the planet, with the capacity to sequester carbon at a rate up to ten times greater than that of mature tropical forests annually.
In the coastal zones, a hidden force plays a pivotal role in shaping the delicate balance between land and sea. Mangroves, uniquely adapted to tidal areas, offer a host of essential benefits.
Mangrove trees demonstrate unique adaptations such as breathing roots (pneumatophores), allowing them to thrive in extreme environments, including waterlogged soil, high salinity, and unstable soil conditions. Mangroves are classified into four genera based on their unique root structures: Rhizophora with its anchor-shaped roots, Sonneratia features vertical pencil-like roots, Avicennia possesses aerial roots, and Bruguiera produces kneed roots that protrude above the substrate.
These roots serve as ideal breeding grounds for shrimp and crabs and provide shelter for many juvenile marine species. Barracuda, tarpon, and snook will head out to forage in the seagrass beds as they grow and move into the open ocean as adults. The trees also serve as a sustainable source of firewood and building materials, as well as a natural defence against erosion, powerful waves, and strong winds.
Dr. Ir. Nyoto Santoso MS., Chair of the Department of Natural Resource Conservation and Ecotourism at the Faculty of Forestry and Environment, Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB), divides mangrove functions into three categories:
Physically, mangroves protect terrestrial and marine ecosystems and various fauna from erosion, waves, and strong winds. They absorb carbon through photosynthesis, converting inorganic carbon (CO2) into organic carbon in the form of vegetation. Unlike most ecosystems where organic matter decays and releases carbon back into the atmosphere, mangroves store a significant amount of organic matter in their muddy substrate, making them effective carbon sinks.
Biologically, mangroves serve as plankton food sources and nursery habitats for various fish and shrimp species.
Socially, the economic well-being of coastal rural areas often depends on surrounding mangrove ecosystems, impacting livelihoods and economies. Coastal fisheries, influenced by mangrove presence, indirectly affect the prosperity of fishing villages.
Mangrove ecosystems play a significant role as carbon sinks and stores, absorbing and storing 4 – 112 gigatons of carbon per year globally.
Studies suggest that mangroves and coastal wetlands sequester carbon at a rate ten times greater than that of mature tropical forests annually. Most of the carbon stored in mangrove ecosystems is found in its muddy substrate. On average, mangroves sequester between 6-8 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per hectare annually, with the total amount of carbon stored in mature mangrove ecosystems ranging from 800-1,200 tons per hectare.
Despite these benefits mangroves are prone to conversion to other land uses. Over the past two decades, the Global Mangrove Alliance estimates that over 60% of mangroves have been lost or degraded, with an additional 1% lost annually.
Mangrove ecosystems face serious threats, including illegal logging and conversion to shrimp ponds, resulting in negative ecological, economic, and social impacts. Local communities often engage in illegal logging for land conversion purposes, leading to habitat loss for fauna and diminished catches for fishermen. Coastal settlement activities contribute to ecosystem changes, resource depletion, and waste accumulation.
Indonesia holds 20-25% of the world’s mangrove ecosystems, covering some 3.36 million hectares, giving it a clear mandate and responsibility to conserve and prevent further mangrove loss.
Mangroves are not just trees in coastal areas. They are vital ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to both nature and human communities. From serving as carbon sinks and protecting coastal areas from erosion to supporting biodiversity and sustaining livelihoods, mangroves play a crucial role. With the significant threats they are facing, conservation efforts are essential to preserve these valuable ecosystems for future generations. Collaborative efforts from various stakeholders are essential to ensure the sustainability of mangroves, providing long-lasting benefits for life.
