Considered as essential ecosystems to combat climate change, mangroves are large CO2 sinks, helping to filter water and mitigate floods. In Ecuador, mangroves are in danger due to human activities that threaten their existence.
A recent study by Ayuda en Acción, in collaboration with the University of Valle de Colombia, has revealed a worrying decrease in blue carbon levels in the mangroves of the province of Esmeraldas. Intensive logging and the expansion of shrimp farming are endangering biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities.
The study results show that the expansion of aquaculture, especially shrimp farming, has devastated vast areas of mangroves in Ecuador.
Indiscriminate logging for the construction of shrimp ponds has reduced tree density, affecting biodiversity and limiting the ecosystem’s ability to absorb carbon. Additionally, the overexploitation of marine resources such as unregulated fishing and intensive collection of shells and crabs has also degraded the habitat.
Blue Carbon and Climate Change
Blue carbon is carbon captured and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves, seagrasses, and marshes. Its importance lies in its ability to absorb and retain large amounts of CO2, helping to mitigate global warming.
However, when these ecosystems are destroyed, the accumulated carbon is released into the atmosphere, significantly contributing to climate change.
The Ayuda en Acción study reveals that the Bunche mangroves in Esmeraldas have alarmingly low levels of blue carbon storage (1.14 g/100 g on average) compared to preserved mangroves in Latin America, such as those in Brazil and Colombia, which store between 2.5 and 3.5 g/100 g.
These data indicate that environmental degradation is reducing the capacity of Ecuadorian mangroves to store carbon, accelerating the effects of climate change in the region.
In Ecuador, the differences are also notable. While the Bunche mangroves show critical levels, those in Salima have significantly higher storage (2.72 g/100 g). This finding highlights the impact of aquaculture on the decrease in carbon reserves, as in Salima, the mangroves are protected, have higher tree density, and basal height, factors that improve their carbon storage capacity.
Urgent Actions for the Protection of Mangroves in Ecuador
Given this concerning situation, Ayuda en Acción has implemented various initiatives to protect and restore mangroves in Esmeraldas, including:
- Reforestation: Restoration of over 5 hectares of mangroves in Muisne and the implementation of local nurseries to ensure ecosystem regeneration.
- Technological monitoring: Use of drones and unmanned underwater vehicles to map the health of mangroves and conduct precise fish censuses.
- Training in sustainable fishing: Over 500 families have received training in good fishing practices and fair trade, strengthening their economy and promoting environmental conservation.
- Women’s empowerment: Promotion of women’s leadership in the sustainable management of mangroves, granting them agreements for use and custody for protection.
- Community actions: Mobilization of over 1,500 students from educational units in Muisne for beach and mangrove clean-ups, collecting dozens of tons of waste.
- Scientific research: Study of crab and black clam density in Salima and Bunche, in addition to a fish census to assess the impact of climate change and overexploitation on these species.
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