Multi Benefits of Mangrove Development in CRR
Updated: Aug 31, 2021
Chief Touray of Lower Saloum District, Rohey Ceesay, Senior Forester and tree nursery grower and Ablie Jawara, a Youth leader in CRR north
Funded by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development
via Nature Friends International
Reported in June by our Gambian Director Omar Jammeh
'A courtesy call to the #Chief of Lower Saloum, as part of efforts to launch a project "Climate Change"...........
Reforestation of mangroves and strengthening of local capacities for mangrove protection to secure the livelihood of people in Ballangharr and to contribute climate protection for Senegal (ASAN) and Gambia (JustAct), with three years funding from NFD German through Naturefriends International, Germany Office..........
During, the course of three (3) years project timeline the restoration shall cover 5 hectares of land area in fighting against salt intrusion, erosion and other related climate effects.........
What are the benefits of mangroves?
An extract:-DID YOU KNOW?
Mangroves are extraordinary ecosystems, located at the interface of land and sea in tropical regions, which offer a considerable array of ecosystem goods and services
(They are also found a long way up over in the River Gambia, having salt water even as far as CRR)
Although they are found in 123 nations and territories, mangrove forests are globally rare. They represent less than 1% of all tropical forests worldwide, and less than 0.4% of the total global forest estate.
Mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts.
Mangroves contribute to the wellbeing, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide.
These forested wetlands are rich in biodiversity. They support complex communities, where thousands of other species interact. They provide a valuable nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans; a food source for monkeys, deer, birds, even kangaroos; and a source of nectar for honeybees.
Managing and restoring mangrove ecosystems is an achievable and cost effective way to help ensure food security for many coastal communities.
Mangroves play a role in climate mitigation
Mangrove ecosystems are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering vast amounts of carbon within the soil, leaves, branches, roots, etc.
One hectare of mangrove can store 3,754 tons of carbon; it’s the equivalent of taking 2,650+ cars off the road for one year.
(Therefore 5 hectares will store 18,770 tons of carbon, equivalent of 13,250 cars per year through this project)
If destroyed, degraded or lost these coastal ecosystems become sources of carbon dioxide. Experts estimate that carbon emissions from mangrove deforestation account for up to 10% of emissions from deforestation globally, despite covering just 0.7% of land coverage.
Mangroves act as a natural coastal defense against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion
Mangroves play an important role in reducing vulnerability to natural hazards and increasing resilience to climate change impacts.
A 500-meter mangrove strip reduces wave heights in 50 to 99%
What other benefits does this bring about?
The German Government, through the excellent link established by Naturefriends International and JUST ACT are funding a three year program to develop this.
It covers provision for three staff and support staff:
Reforesting Mangroves in The Gambia (including search, harvest, raising of buds; preparing of the area, planting and watching/caring the plants, and necessary materials)
Education and awareness raising regarding the Mangrove-project through workshops, school exchanges and steering committees.
Why it is so vital
7th July 2021 there were devastating and unique storms throughout The Gambia with very large hailstones and the loss off ten lives, the destruction of many homes, 1,500 people misplaced and loss of services reuters.com/world/africa/windstorm-gambia
Such a severe storm has not been seen for over 20 years
JUST ACT offer their deep thanks to Naturefriends International
for facilitating this project