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ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, July 26, 2022
A number of government and non-governmental agencies have come together to celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, held yearly on July 26. The day was designated by UNESCO in 2015 to raise awareness on the integral role of mangrove ecosystems as unique, special, and vulnerable ecosystems, and to promote solutions for their conservation, sustainable management and utility.
For the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, the Department of the Blue Economy, the Department of Environment, and the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) came together to host a field trip with children attending Antigua and Barbuda National Public Library Summer Camp. During this field trip youth were informed about the different types of species of mangroves, as well as the rich biodiversity that these mangrove ecosystems support, and the other benefits that mangrove ecosystems provide. These young persons had the opportunity see first hand local mangrove ecosystems, and they were also provided guidance on how they can play their part in protecting and preserving these important ecosystems for their generation and generations to come. Students were also provided with learning and activity material developed by the Department of Environment on areas such as Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity to improve their knowledge on their local environment.
Background information
Mangrove ecosystems play an important part in almost all aspects of life both worldwide an in Antigua and Barbuda. These important ecosystems help to reduce damage caused by storms and hurricanes along the coastlines, protecting communities from damage from storm surge and coastal erosion. Mangrove ecosystems also play a role in local economies; they are a critical habitat for the marine life that our fisherfolk depend on, contributing to providing food security for our nation. And more and more, they serve as hubs for ecotourism by providing an interesting and natural landscape for visitors and locals alike to appreciate. Mangrove ecosystems also serve as one of the most important bastions against climate change, as they store the carbon that contributes to climate change in their extensive root system, functioning as a carbon sink to lock away these deadly greenhouse gases.
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