Mangroves are small trees which grow in coastal saline or brackish water. Having grown in a tropical peninsula by the sea I have developed a deep passion for mangroves not only for its beauty but more importantly because of its role in biodiversity. I love seeing colourful carbs growing up there, marine snakes, and all sorts of tropical fishes.
Considering the place were I am from there would be no hope for me but to love mangroves. These trees are just wonderful and perfect in every aspect. By the way this photograph was taken at Barra do Kwanza in Angola. Mangroves are evergreen forests found extensively in estuarine regions where the mud flats are wide and gently sloping. In addition to estuaries, they also live in intertidal regions of shallow bays and creeks where the environment is favourable to the growth of mangroves. Mangroves are a complete ecosystem, a conglomeration of many species of flora and fauna in the area and their interactions with each other. Mangroves are valued for their protection and stabilisation of low-lying coastal land and for their importance in estuarine and coastal food chains. Mangroves are flood buffers and help to stabilise the climate by moderating temperature, humidity, wind and even waves. Mangrove conservation efforts are largely aimed at preventing the destruction of mangrove ecosystems and increasing their coverage. The main problem is not only the destruction of mangrove ecosystems, but also the degradation of mangrove ecosystems through pollution, silting, salinity changes or biodiversity loss.
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