The mangroves are considered some of the most valuable ecosystems that exist for the limitation of climate change and its consequences and the fight against global warming, because they are that Great sinks of CO2, in addition to help filtering the waters and reducing the floods.
In Ecuador, these ecosystems experience as delicate as useful serious problems and as always, The threats that arise about them come from the actions of peoplewho endanger their survival.
Ecuador’s Mangroven in danger
A recent study into help with action, in collaboration with the University of the Valle de ColombI, one reveals Taking care of the decrease in blue carbon levels in Mangroven from the province of Esmeraldas. This situation is a consequence of intensive caps and the expansion of shrimp activity, and is not only in danger, but also for communities that depend on these ecosystems for their livelihood.
The research results indicate that the expansion of aquaculture, in particular shrimp breeding, has destroyed enormous mangrove areas. The random caps for the construction of shrimp pools has a reduced tree density, Influencing biodiversity and limiting the capacity of the ecosystem to absorb carbon. In addition, The over -exploitation of marine resources, As a non -regulated fishing and intensive collection of shells and scratches, it has also contributed to the degradation of Habitat.
Blue carbon against climate change
The blue carbon is caught the carbon and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, marine meadows and swamps. Its importance lies in his ability to absorb and maintain large amounts of CO2help to reduce global warming. However, when these ecosystems are destroyed, the collected carbon in the atmosphere is released, which significantly contributes to climate change.
The study of help in action shows that Bunwe Mangroven, in Esmeraldas, have alarmingly low carbon storage levels (On average 1.14 g/100 g), compared with mangroves stored in Latin -America, such as those in Brazil and Colombia, which store between 2.5 and 3.5 g/100 g. This data indicates that the breakdown of the environment is the capacity of Ecuadorian mangroves to store carbon, to reduce the effects of climate change in the region.
Differences are also noticeable in Ecuador. While the mangroves of bunch show critical levels, those of Salima have considerably higher storage (2.72 g/100 g). This finding emphasizes the Impact of aquaculture on the decrease in carbon reservesBecause the mangroves are protected in Salima, they have greater tree density and basic height, factors that improve their carbon storage capacity.
Mangroves need urgent actions
Given this worrying situation, help into action has implemented Various initiatives to protect and restore mangroves In Esmeraldas. These actions include:
- Herbeosation: Recovery of more than 5 hectares of mangrove in Muisne and the implementation of local nurseries to guarantee the regeneration of the ecosystem.
- Technological monitoring: Use of drones and unmanned underwater vehicles to map the health of mangroves and to perform precise fishing scensuses.
- Sustainable fishing training: More than 500 families have received training in good fishing and fair trade practices, which strengthens their economy and promotes environmental protection.
- Female empowerment: Promotion of the leadership of women in the sustainable management of mangroves, so that they use and give guardianship similarities.
- Community actions: Mobilization of more than 1500 students from Muisne’s educational units for cleaning beaches and mangroves, collecting dozens of tons of waste.
- Scientific research: Cangrejo and Concha Prieta Density Study in Salima and Bunche, next to A fishing count to assess the impact of climate change And over exploitation with these species.
Fiorella Mackliff, Director of Help in Action Ecuador, said: “With help in action we are dedicated to the fight against climate change and the empowerment of women. Our work places communities, and especially women, in the center, and recognizes them as agents of change in mangrove protection. He added that “this research is crucial to understand How to influence fish and logging and their ability to save carbon. The results must serve as a basis for making decisions about the environment and the government.
This study was conducted within the framework of the project “Women who lead production that are resilient for climate change and sustainable management of mangroves and the Navy Reserve San Francisco GaleraFinanced by the Generalitat Valenciana and implemented by Ayuda in action and her local partner Cefodi.