2023-08-07 06:33:48
Conservation of the mangrove ecosystem, a necessity for the environment
August 6, 2023
Libreville, August 3, 2023 – As part of the delayed celebration of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, organized each year on July 26, the Minister of Water and Forests, the Sea, the Environment in charge of the Climate Plan and the Land Use Plan, Prof. Lee White made a field trip to the Cape Esterias coastline.
The said visit, organized jointly by the General Directorate of Aquatic Ecosystems (DGEA) and the NGO Citizen Actions for Local Development (ACDL), saw the participation of members of the traditional and customary Benga chieftaincy living near the mangroves of Idolo.
It was a question for the Minister of the Environment to make an inventory of the mangroves located at the mouth of the Gabaga river and the Idolo point but also to sensitize the local populations on the stakes relating to their protection.
Indeed, mangroves have long played a vital role for Gabon’s coastal communities. In addition to protecting them from floods, they supply them with wood and food. Mangrove ecosystems are also real carbon sinks and therefore play a key role in the fight against climate change.
For Minister Prof. Lee white, the protection and conservation of mangroves is essential both economically and ecologically: “ 80% of the sea fish that we consume come from the mangroves, and contribute to the local economy. By destroying the mangroves, we are also destroying our economy and we are promoting the risk of flooding due to sea level rise. It is much wiser to preserve the mangroves while limiting population pressures by building housing elsewhere. »
Ministry of Waters, Forests,
of the Sea, of the Environment,
in charge of the Climate Plan and
Land use plan
#conservation #mangrove #ecosystem #Gabonews