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Guardians of the Environment

By Hema Rao; Illustration by Sudheer Nath

Tropical coastlines and marshy areas around the world have one thing in common: mangrove forests. These consist of trees and shrubs that throw out many prop roots (see picture) and sustain a large variety of aquatic animals, birds and plants. These mangroves form a complete ecosystem. That is, they provide a complete base for all the organisms within that environment to live and thrive. That keeps the balance in the larger environment of which humans are a vital part. Marshy and swampy tidal areas near seas and estuaries, where rivers empty into the sea, are ideal for mangrove forests.

The prop roots have one function. They support the mangroves in the ever moving loose sand, as sea water flows over it.

All types of aquatic life forms can be seen in these mangroves -- turtles, crabs, shrimps, lobsters, prawns, fish, storks, egrets and cranes, among others. Algae, which is the green scum on the water, is a source of food for many fish.

The mangrove belt is very important to humans. For, like the coconut, cashew and casuarina trees, it provides protection to the coastline from the rough seawaters and prevents soil erosion. During a cyclone or tidal wave, a mangrove belt faces the fury of wind and water and minimises the destruction on the coastline. The tidal forest is a rich source of biomass (organic matter that is used to produce energy).

But, not surprisingly, this rich aquatic ecosystem is under threat from humans. Land is being reclaimed from the sea for industrial and commercial purposes. Increase in shrimp farming has led to a decline in mangrove forests. Laws have been enacted to protect these forests, but the plunder continues.