THE WELL-ROOTED MANGROVES OF INDONESIA
Mangroves are often misunderstood and overseen by many visiting the tropical coastline of Indonesia. It doesn’t really inspire the same Instagram-worthy travel pictures you see taken from beaches, mountains or grasslands. If only people knew how these “Trees of Life” hold the coastline in place, and is known as one of the most useful ecosystems on earth, they will be tagging #InstaMangrove a lot more.
Indonesia does not only have the largest biodiversity of marine species, but is also known for having over an estimate of 23 percent of the world’s mangroves along its coastlines – that is about 3 million hectares of mangrove forest!
WHY ARE MANGROVES IMPORTANT TO DIVERS?
Mangroves support a wide range of ecosystem services and their reedy roots provide a habitat for crabs and juvenile fish, break up waves and hold back silt and soil from damaging coral reefs. Its purpose is immense! Here is a quick list on the many benefits it holds to the “Diver’s Final Frontier”.
- Mangrove roots act as a filter by stabilising the fine sediment that runs off from land, preventing it from smothering sensitive tropical coastal coral and seagrass habitat. In fact, the three habitats – mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds – form what researchers often call the ‘holy trinity’ of tropical marine environments.
- Environmental functions of mangrove ecosystems include nutrient supply and regeneration, recycling of pollutants, water cycling and the maintenance of water quality.
- Below the water, mangrove forests serve as breeding and nursing grounds for fish and marine species. The roots and the soft layer beneath the trees provide food, shelter and protection from predation.
WHY ARE MANGROVES SO IMPORTANT TO THE PEOPLE OF RAJA AMPAT?
The harsh, waterlogged conditions in which mangroves thrive speed up tree growth and slow decomposition of soil organic matter, making mangrove forests an excellent carbon sink. In 2015, a research from the Indonesia-based Center for International Forestry Research indicated that Indo-Pacific mangrove forests hold 6 percent more carbon than other forest stands in the region.
- Mangroves can keep rising seas at bay. The trees can help people cope with heatwaves, help break up waves and offer protection against storm surges.
- Local communities harvest shrimp, eel, clam, crab, sea snail and a variety of fish species from mangrove ecosystems, providing both income and food for families.
- Intangible benefits of mangrove ecosystems include social and cultural functions. Mangrove forests support religious and spiritual values, as well as recreational and aesthetic values for ecotourism.
INDONESIA IS LOSING VAST AMOUNTS OF ITS MANGROVE FORESTS
Over the past three decades, Indonesia has lost 40 percent of its mangroves. This means Indonesia has the fastest rate of mangrove destruction in the world.
The loss of mangrove forests in Indonesia contributes to 42 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions from the destruction of coastal ecosystems, including marshes, mangroves and sea grass.
PEOPLE MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN THE CONSERVATION OF MANGROVES
In Sri Lanka and Indonesia the NGOs Seacology and Wetlands International have linked mangrove replanting and conservation projects to microloans. In this incentive system, villagers help plant coastal thickets. And if they can keep the patches alive for two years, the NGOs forgive their loans. Not only does this mean less potential damage from coastal storms, it also means villagers have access to cash and start small businesses.
Meridian Adventure Dive has also delved deep into the surrounding
mangroves ever since it’s inception in 2017.
And even planting seedlings to enhance the existing forest surrounding the resort
So, why won’t you come and visit us at the resort and not only experience the vast underwater beauty of the Heart of the Coral Triangle, but the powerful roots of the trees that give it life.
