In the heart of South Florida, mangrove forests are characteristic of coastline sceneries. While many people may not even think twice when passing these ecosystems while biking down a beach road or kayaking atop glassy waters, mangroves hold incredible environmental value, and they are being threatened into destruction around the world today.
By some estimates, more than 50 percent of the world's mangrove forests were destroyed by the end of the 20th century, and half of those that remain are in poor condition. Mangrove forests are among the most threatened habitats in the world, and mangrove loss is rampant across the globe.
In South Florida, we have an estimated 469,000 acres of mangrove forests contribute to the overall health of the state's southern coastal zone. From securing and protecting coastlines, to serving as homes for hundreds of marine and land species, to capturing tons of carbon dioxide with their incredible carbon-storing abilities, mangroves and mangrove forests are key environmental beauties.
However, despite their known environmental benefits and impact, mangroves still face imminent threats of destruction from human action around the world. From plastic and agricultural pollution to coastal development, mangroves continue to be cleared and destroyed at an alarming rate.
Bringing awareness to this issue is the first step to finding a solution. On this blog site, you will find information about mangroves, the threats they face, and how we can all help to protect them. Additionally, we will highlight other environmental issues that we can all help fix. Read our post, share with friends, and take action! Let's all help save our earth together, as a grove.
