What is the significance of coastal ecosystems like mangroves?

Coastal ecosystems like mangroves play a crucial role in offering protection to shorelines and sequestering carbon. The dense root systems of mangroves help stabilize sediments, which reduces erosion and protects coastal areas from wave action and storm surges. By providing habitat for various species, mangroves contribute to biodiversity and the health of marine and terrestrial environments.

In addition to physical protection, mangroves are essential in the carbon cycle. They capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them vital in efforts to mitigate climate change. This carbon storage capability is significantly higher in mangroves compared to many other types of forests because of the anaerobic conditions in their waterlogged soils, which slow the decomposition of organic matter.

Understanding these functions highlights the importance of preserving and restoring mangrove ecosystems, not only for the local environment and wildlife but also for their contribution to global climate regulation.