In Baja California Sur (Mexico), the Mangrove Threat Index (IAM) has been developed, a scientific tool that evaluates the vulnerability and loss of mangroves to human activities to anticipate their deterioration and focus on their conservation.
Created by researchers led by Valentina Platzgummer and Fabio Favoretto from the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (CBMC), the IAM prioritizes interventions based on the level of risk.
El Comitán: Mangrove at Highest Risk
The IAM uses geospatial data to calculate the risk of mangrove loss based on the proximity of human threats. When applied in the Bay of La Paz, it revealed that 51% of mangroves are at high risk, with El Comitán being the most vulnerable area.
Community Action and Innovation
The results of IAM have encouraged the community of El Comitán to take action, inspired by the group of women “Las Guardianas de El Conchalito” who protect a mangrove in La Paz. Additionally, CBMC launched the project “Futuro desde las Raíces” to make science accessible to society.
Global Applications
50% of the world’s mangrove forests are at risk of collapse by 2050, according to the first global assessment of mangroves for the Red List of Ecosystems (LRE) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Platzgummer envisions the integration of IAM into global public policies, proposing the evaluation of risk and responsible planning to avoid future environmental conflicts and protect these essential ecosystems.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
