International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem: a call to protect coastal forests

Santo Domingo. -Every July 26, the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is commemorated, a date dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of these ecosystems for biodiversity, coastal protection, and the well-being of millions of people who depend on them.

The commemoration was established to recall the need to conserve mangroves in the face of threats such as deforestation, pollution, uncontrolled urbanization, and climate change. The date also pays tribute to those who have dedicated their efforts to the defense of these valuable ecosystems.

Mangroves are forests that grow in areas where fresh and salt water mix. They act as a natural barrier against storms, hurricanes, and coastal erosion, in addition to serving as a refuge and breeding ground for numerous species of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and birds.

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Likewise, they play a key role in the fight against climate change, as they store large amounts of carbon, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere.

In the Dominican Republic, mangroves are present in various protected areas and coastal zones, where their conservation is essential to preserve biodiversity, strengthen fishing, promote sustainable tourism, and protect communities against natural phenomena.

The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem invites governments, organizations, and citizens to promote actions for the conservation, restoration, and responsible use of these ecosystems, which are considered among the most productive and important on the planet.