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Mangroves, a fascinating ecosystem

Environment and biodiversity

Author: Stéphanie Gravel-Couture

What are mangroves?

Briefly, mangroves belong to the category of wetlands. They grow in swamps and in tidal zones. Therefore, they are very well adapted to salt water and they even have the capacity to desalinate water thanks to their roots and the pores of their leaves. They are mainly composed of mangroves, a woody tree that has stilt roots and is one of the only trees to survive in highly saline water. These roots help to capture oxygen at the surface and support the trunk above the ground or water. There are several types of mangroves: red, black, grey and white.

We find them mainly in the southern hemisphere, in the coasts of tropical and subtropical climates, between the 25th parallel north and south (Costa Rica, Benin, Madagascar, Indonesia). We also find this ecosystem in the United States, particularly in the Everglades National Park in Florida. Unfortunately, nearly 40% of these ecosystems have disappeared on a global scale. Moreover, it represents less than 1% of the world’s tropical forests, which makes it a very rare environment.

Why is this environment so important?

Mangroves have a carbon capture potential 3 to 5 times higher than that of forests. (UNESCO)
One hectare of mangrove can store 3,754 tons of carbon, which represents the carbon emissions of about 2,650 cars over a period of one year.
This environment is home to many animals such as crustaceans, fish, mollusks, but also migratory birds, reptiles, insects and many mammals like monkeys.
It slows down the erosion of the land, solidifies the soil and protects the coasts from wind, waves and storms.
It is a source of wood, diversified food and medicinal plants for the populations that live nearby.

What economies are affecting the vitality of mangroves?

Several economic reasons lead to the deterioration of the mangroves of which:

Abusive fishing, including crab fishing (removal of the mangrove in order to see the crab holes)
The sale of mangrove wood
The production of salt in an intensive and unsustainable way

How can we enjoy this magnificent environment while preserving it?

Avoid motorized and noisy activities in the vicinity as much as possible; kayaking, pedal boating and paddle boarding are better alternatives.
Participate in a mangrove restoration activity.
Learn more about mangroves to become familiar with the issues surrounding them.

What is the connection between Village Monde and mangroves?

Since 2020, Village Monde is involved with several partners (Éco-Bénin, Université du Québec en Outaouais and CO2logic) in a project called “Mangroves Économie”. Moreover, this project is supported by the Quebec government within the framework of the international climate cooperation program (PCCI).

The objective is to improve the living conditions and resilience of the inhabitants of three riverside communities (Grand-Popo, Comé and Kpomassé), the largest mangrove area in Benin, by 2024. How will we achieve this? By developing a resilient local low-carbon economy with complementary income-generating activities that value and protect the mangroves in the south of the country.

In addition to restoring this precious ecosystem and protecting biodiversity, the project will allow:

500 people employed and trained in mangrove restoration (mostly women and youth)
20 actors mobilized for mangrove restoration
20 farmers trained in agrotourism
12 eco-advisors trained
6 circuits promoting the mangrove
To date, more than 85 hectares have been planted
60 young people trained in entrepreneurship

We invite travelers using the VAOLO platform to offset their carbon emissions via our tool:

Mangroves, a fascinating ecosystem

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