Green Channel - NASA images reveal disappearing mangroves worldwide
Among the world's most important ecosystems, mangroves are tropical saline-adapted forests that survive in tropical coastlines. These forests serve as nurseries for a variety marine fish, underpinning global fisheries and providing additional food for coastal communities. In addition, they store massive amounts of carbon and act as buffers against marine erosion. Recent studies have even found that mangroves buffer human populations and property against tropical storms. During the devastating 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, regions with mangroves suffered less damage than those without. In all it has been estimated that mangroves provide at least $1.6 billion in ecosystem services annually. Yet despite their importance, less than 7% of the world's mangroves are under legal protection.
Known as a center for rainforest destruction, Indonesia has also lost most of its mangroves (see second image below). From 1982 to 2000, Indonesia has lost over half of its mangrove forests, falling from 4.2 million hectares to 2 million.
Global extent of mangrove ecosystems. Image courtesy of NASA and the US Geological Society. Click to enlarge.
Extent of mangroves in Southeast Asia. Image courtesy of NASA and the US Geological Society. Click to enlarge.
Known as a center for rainforest destruction, Indonesia has also lost most of its mangroves (see second image below). From 1982 to 2000, Indonesia has lost over half of its mangrove forests, falling from 4.2 million hectares to 2 million.
Global extent of mangrove ecosystems. Image courtesy of NASA and the US Geological Society. Click to enlarge.
Extent of mangroves in Southeast Asia. Image courtesy of NASA and the US Geological Society. Click to enlarge.
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Saturday,11 December, 2010 | Hits: 334
