The World Land Trust (WLT) first became involved in mangrove regeneration ten years ago when we helped purchase Danjugan Island in the Philippines. Back in 1996 the local community on the adjacent island of Negros realised too late that it had been a huge mistake to destroy the mangroves around their island. They were witnessing a good deal more coastal damage as well as soil erosion, and WLT helped them replant mangroves which are now well established.
Gerry Ledesma, the Philippine Reef & Rainforest Project Director in the Philippines, now works with the local fishermen to protect the coral reefs around the island which have been declared a Marine Reserve and Sanctuary.
In response to the 2004 tsunami, WLT was contacted again by existing partners as well as other overseas NGOs for help in the recovery of mangroves and restoration of coral reefs. The Trust has established a Reef & Mangrove Appeal, funds from which are assisting urgent regeneration projects.
This appeal aims to help as many local organisations in as many countries as possible, and how effective this is depends on the funds we are able to raise. Two projects have been agreed so far. The first is to expand the mangrove replanting in the Visayan Island Group, in the Philippines, working once again with our partners, the Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation, and the second is in India where we are working with our partners, The Wildlife Trust of India, on coral replanting and restoration in Gujarat. We have also been discussing with Sri Lankan and Indonesian conservationists ways in which the Trust can help their mangrove and reef conservation and restoration work.
Although mangrove trees may seem rather nondescript at first sight they possess several ingenious and unique adaptations making them one of the most important trees on earth. For a start they are the only species of tree which flourishes in sea water. And although they don’t bear fruit or nuts they regenerate quickly from what are called propagules. These are seed pods which start to germinate while still attached to the tree, eventually falling into the water where they take root in the mud.
In tropical areas of the world the location of mangroves often run parallel to coral reefs and they have a very special relationship: mangroves thrive in brackish, nutrient-rich waters, while coral reefs need clear, nutrient poor waters. Mangroves also act to purify the water of silt, human waste and nutrients which in turn provides clean water for the corals to thrive. Mangroves provide vital structure to the coastline, their arching roots trapping sediment that would otherwise be washed back by the waves. And the pools which are created by the root system provide spawning grounds for fish and habitat for many different species of animals, including bats, lobsters, manatees and birds.
If you wish to make a donation please contact the World land trust
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