Mangroves are essential ecosystems for mitigating climate change and conserving biodiversity. Their ability to store blue carbon makes them key allies in the fight against global warming, in addition to providing shelter for various marine species and livelihoods for coastal communities. However, in Ecuador, these ecosystems face serious threats derived from human activity.
A study conducted by Ayuda en Acción, in collaboration with the University of Valle de Colombia, revealed a concerning decrease in blue carbon in the mangroves of Esmeraldas. Shrimp aquaculture expansion and intensive logging are reducing tree density, affecting biodiversity, and limiting these ecosystems’ ability to store carbon and regulate the climate.
The overexploitation of marine resources, such as unregulated fishing and uncontrolled collection of shells and crabs, is also accelerating the degradation of these habitats. This situation puts at risk both ecological stability and the livelihoods of communities that depend on mangroves.
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The impact of mangrove destruction
Blue carbon is fundamental in the fight against climate change, as these ecosystems capture and store large amounts of CO2. The destruction of mangroves not only reduces their absorption capacity, but also releases accumulated carbon into the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming.
The mangroves of Bunche, in Esmeraldas, present alarmingly low levels of blue carbon (1.14 g/100 g), much lower than other preserved ecosystems in the region, such as those in Brazil and Colombia, which store between 2.5 and 3.5 g/100 g. In contrast, the mangroves of Salima, where human intervention is lower, show significantly higher storage (2.72 g/100 g). These data demonstrate the negative impact of shrimp aquaculture on the carbon storage capacity of Ecuadorian mangroves.
Urgent actions for conservation
Faced with this situation, Ayuda en Acción promoted various initiatives to restore and protect mangroves in Esmeraldas:
- Reforestation: Recovery of over five hectares of mangroves in Muisne and establishment of local nurseries.
- Monitoring with advanced technology: Use of drones and underwater vehicles to assess the ecosystem’s condition.
- Training in sustainable fishing: Training of over 500 families in good fishing practices.
- Community empowerment: Promotion of female leadership in mangrove management.
- Educational actions: Involvement of over 1,500 students in cleaning and conservation activities.
Fiorella Mackliff, director of Ayuda en Acción Ecuador, emphasized the need to take urgent measures: “Our commitment is to support communities and ensure the protection of these vital ecosystems. This research should serve as the basis for environmental and governmental decision-making.”
This study is part of the project “Women leading resilient production to climate change and sustainable management of mangroves and the Galera San Francisco marine-coastal reserve,” funded by the Generalitat Valenciana and implemented by Ayuda en Acción and Cefodi. Its objective is to promote sustainable and equitable mangrove management, ensuring their long-term conservation.
Why are mangroves so important?
Mangroves are vital ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, food security, and combating climate change. They also protect coasts from erosion and natural disasters, hence their importance:
Ecological
- They are a fundamental habitat for fish and crustacean breeding.
- They are a source of food and natural resources for animals and humans.
- They regulate nutrient cycles, silt deposition, and water quality.
- They are efficient carbon sinks, capturing large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Economic and social
- They contribute to economic and food security.
- They are a source of wood, charcoal, salt, and tannins.
- Additionally, they are a resource for industrial and artisanal fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and recreation.
Importance in the face of climate change
- They are crucial for the adaptation of coastal communities to climate change.
- They are also important for mitigating greenhouse gases.
- They act as natural barriers protecting coasts from erosion, tsunamis, and storms.
Despite their key role in nature, mangroves are threatened and are being lost at an accelerated rate, becoming an issue for the environment.
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