Regional bodies partner to protect mangroves

Recognising the importance of mangroves in shielding coastal areas from floods and removing greenhouse gases which contribute to global warming, researchers from TT, Guyana, Suriname and Belize have joined the fight to protect mangrove forests in their respective countries.

Speaking during a virtual seminar highlighting the protection and conservation of wetlands, officials from different territories explained efforts to preserve the wetlands.

In his presentation, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) officer at the Institute of Marine Affairs (IMA) Hamish Asmath used the Caroni Swamp as a case study, which appeared to have expanded further inland in some areas while receding in other areas.

Asmath believed the reason for the decline in forests in some areas were a combination of rising sea-levels and human activities.

"There are areas where a lot of mangroves have been lost, on the northern side. This is due to dyking along the Caroni River to reduce flooding, so as a result of this, salt water is less able to penetrate inland, and the mangroves died back.

"Along the central area of the Caroni Swamp, there has been a great recession in coastline, and this resulted in a loss of trees and mangrove soil so extensive there has been a recession of 40-60 metres in certain areas. This is a combined effect of sea-level rise plus a reduction in the sediment supply in the central area of the swamp due to the rerouting of rivers."

Asmath said the expansion of mangroves on the eastern side could also be attributed to sea-level rise, as salt water was able to extend further in, creating conditions that would facilitate the mangroves' growth.

While all forests are essential in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby reducing the greenhouse effect and global warming, Asmath posits mangrove forests may be more effective than terrestrial forests.

"The prelimimary data we have indicates the carbon storage in the above-ground (forest) per hectare is higher than terrestrial forests. Where regular forests were able to store 76 tonnes per hectare of carbon, mangroves can store 112 tonnes per hectare of carbon."

Project manager at the National Agriculture and Extension Institute (NAERI) in Guyana Kene Moseley said in addition to removing carbon dioxide and acting as a buffer against flooding, mangroves support different species of animals, including crustaceans, fish and migratory birds.

The forum was organised by the IMA with participation from UWI and other regional organisations, which shared data and research from their own countries.

The projects for the preservation of wetlands were supported by the British High Commission.