With a vertical root system above the water surface, in addition to the respiratory function, it helps slow down the speed & height of offshore waves when hitting the shore, minimizing damage to the land. In addition, this part also retains sediments and alluvial deposits.
The roots builds and binds the soil below gradually. In addition, it can filter nitrate, phosphorus and other pollutants, improving the quality of water flowing into estuaries and seas.
The thickness of the mangroves plays as the first place to receive storms, reducing the devastation of storms before these hit the inland.
The SC has the ability to capture massive amounts of carbon dioxide emissions and other greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere, then trap and store them in their carbon-rich flooded soils for centuries. During its normal growth, the SC plants convert CO2 into biomass. This stored carbon is also known as “blue carbon” because it is stored underwater.
(Source: https://www.myclimate.org)
The mangrove ecosystem is a protective environment for fauna and flora species, such as shrimp, juvenile fish, the nurseries of aquatic animals, the shelter of a number of reptiles, mammals, etc… and a source of food for many kinds of birds, etc…
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