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| Coastal Mangrove Trees in Belize |
Mangrove trees are marine organisms that flourish in intertidal zones near the sea, because they are able to grow in salt water. Mangrove plants grow by the seashore where the roots are flooded by water a portion of each day. Some mangrove roots are always flooded by water, but they survive because they are biologically designed to withstand the salty and wet environment.
Mangrove plants are very important to our environment. First, they help to prevent land erosion at the sea shore, and protect the terrain beyond the ocean from flooding. Like other marine plants, the mangrove is in its own right an ecosystem that serves several purposes. This plant also provides important protection to a large variety of baby marine animals from predators, until they are large enough to fend for themselves in the open sea. The lush ecosystem is rich in nutrients that sustains the 'nursery,' and the complex system of strong roots stretching like legs into the sea protects the tiny marine organisms of larger animals until they can protect themselves from the harsh marine environment and inevitable predation. The mangrove forest also provides habitat and protection for a large variety of migratory marine birds as well as the eagle. Thus the mangrove forest nurtures nature and protects the marine fauna making the surrounding water near the mangrove forest extremely rich in biodiversity.
Mangrove Canopy
Growing up at shores of the Caribbean Sea at Yarborough tin Belize, mangrove plants were prevalent in the surrounding landscape, and therefore a major part of my experience. The mangrove forest was my retreat during a very critical stage of my development between the ages of 10 and 12 years old. Just like the mangrove roots protect and nurture marine organisms, I use it as an euphemism for the feeling of safety and protection it imparted to me. Thus, the name, Mangrove Roots Chronicles.
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Educational Links:
Nature Foundations: http://www.naturefoundationsxm.org/education/mangroves/mangroves.htm
Nibio Informatics: http://www.niobioinformatics.in/mangroves/MANGCD/what.htm
