Mangroves in focus for World Oceans Day

The UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme (UNEP/CEP) will invite proposals for training in mangrove rehabilitation in observance of World Oceans Day, Friday, June 8th and in support of the "Plant for the Planet : Billion Tree Campaign"

Red Mangrove in Port Royal, Jamaica

Organizations will be invited to submit proposals for training in mangrove rehabilitation and subsequent re-planting. Training will be implemented during the 2007 hurricane season after which planting will be done in one or two sites to allow the seedlings to take root before the next hurricane season. The selection of the sites will be based on the proposals submitted.

“The provision of training for mangrove rehabilitation is in support of the UNEP ‘Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign’ through subsequent re-planting of mangrove trees in Jamaica, taking into account lessons learned and with a view to transfer experience to other areas or countries. Mangroves and wetlands offer a number of services such as protection from strong winds and waves, nutrient retention and water quality improvement through filtration of sediments and pollutants, soil stabilization, erosion protection, and absorption of carbon dioxide thereby lessening the impacts of global warming," Mr. Nelson Andrade Colmenares, Coordinator of the UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme in Kingston.

He further stated that, “ Not only are wetland ecosystems rich in biodiversity, but they also protect associated marine ecosystems such as sea grass beds and coral reefs that depend on healthy mangroves to filter sediments and provide nursery grounds for resident species. About 75% of all tropical commercially available fish spend parts of their lives in mangrove areas and in the Mesoamerican reef there are as many as 25 times more fish of some species on reefs close to mangrove areas than in areas where mangroves have been lost".

World Oceans Day was created in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Although not officially designated by the United Nations, it is an opportunity for countries around the world to highlight the importance of marine ecosystems and the threats they face.