When it comes to marine life, mangroves are true bastions. They provide essential habitat for fish, crustaceans, and birds. They help protect coastal communities from erosion and capture carbon, contributing to the mitigation of climate change effects.
The above is a brief explanation of the importance of mangroves, whose preservation is a topic of global debate. This perspective was recently presented by specialist Zito Covane during a seminar held in Maputo.
Mozambique, Covane argues, has the 13th largest global coverage and the third largest in Africa in mangrove forests, covering approximately 300,000 hectares. However, mangroves face various challenges, including the devastating impacts of extreme climate events, uncontrolled tourism expansion, and urban growth in coastal areas.
The exploitation of natural and mineral resources, pollution, and deforestation for firewood and timber are additional threats. To address these issues, Covane advocates for the effective implementation of environmental laws and regulations, which are crucial for ensuring the conservation of mangroves and protecting the communities that depend on these ecosystems.
Covane was a speaker at the impactful seminar titled "The Contribution of Environmental Legislation to Mangrove Conservation: A View from Areas Affected by Extractive Industries," organized by Chepea - Clean and Healthy Planet Earth for All Program.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
