How mangrove planting boosts ecosystem health.
At SKOOT mangroves are one of our favourite trees, but why do we love planting mangroves in particular? These amazing trees are under major threat, and not only do they help boost ecosystems but they also help stop coastal erosions. Let us tell you some of the mangrove superpowers.
About mangroves
Mangroves are one of the most diverse trees on the planet with over 70 species of mangroves found in over 136 countries. Each mangrove species is uniquely suited to its environment, so if you plant a mangrove that is not adapted to its particular environment, it will not stand a chance of surviving. It is vital for people to understand where to plant what species. After the Typhoon Haiyan devastation the government committed to and successfully planted 1 million mangroves, but unfortunately many have died due to the government not doing enough research. Luckily we don't have that problem, because our good friends at Eden Reforestation Projects are the masters of tree planting and have spent years looking at different species to make sure they are given the best chance possible to live.
Why SKOOT plants mangroves.
Mangroves are one of SKOOT's favourite trees but they are also under threat. One of the many special things about mangroves is the way they germinate. Mangrove seedlings germinate whilst they are still attached to the adult tree, so they are ready to take root when they fall. If the seedling drops when it's a low tide, it can quickly establish itself in the soft soil of tidal mudflats before the next tide comes in. This is where it really gets interesting. Even when it's high tide the mangrove seedling will float and wait to take root once it finds solid ground! This is a great dispersal mechanism as they can travel by water to better conditions or even protect the coastline elsewhere. This is pretty cool if we do say so ourselves!
Why Eden plant mangroves
Once mangroves have disappeared, the land where they previously grew erodes, and tides and currents reshape the coastline making it near to impossible for mangroves to grow back in future. That's why with the help of our partners Eden Reforestation Projects, we will not let this happen. On our site in Kenya, our trees are made up of 90% mangroves, and a minimum of 10% being agroforestry. Our mangroves also help serve the local community in Kenya, creating job opportunities and protecting ecosystems.
How mangroves boost ecosystems
Mangroves aren't just great at being carbon sinks, but they also help combat erosion and provide a haven for wildlife. Mangroves contribute to shaping coastlines, as the tree actually holds the coastline in place. They're like a shield for the planet! Planting mangroves on coastlines can act as a buffer from storm surges, because they keep a natural barrier between the ocean and coastal communities. They have been proven to reduce storm surges by as much as 50 centimetres per kilometre of mangrove width. Sadly, these incredible species are under threat and are being lost at a rate of 1%-2% per year. This is faster than any other type of forest! We need to act now.
How much carbon mangroves absorb
Mangroves help us combat climate change because they can store more carbon per unit area than any other ecosystem on Earth. They have the power to store up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests. This is why we refer to mangroves as having a carbon storing superpower.
How you can plant your own mangroves in Tudor Creek
We want to give everyone the opportunity to plant their own mangrove at our planting site in Tudor Creek. Just by downloading the SKOOT app, you can start growing your own trees. Make sure you follow @skoot to watch live updates of your forest in Kenya.
What SKOOT can do for you
If you're looking to take a step in a greener direction, then look no further. SKOOT’s got you covered. We now offer a carbon calculator where you can see how much carbon your business is producing in a month. We can then help you cut back on your carbon footprint through various methods.
At SKOOT we are on a path to plant more mangroves with the help of Eden and our fellow SKOOTers. As more businesses sign up with us, we hope they will see the benefits that trees have on the environment. Mangroves have an enormous capacity for absorbing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases and trapping them in flooded soils for thousands of years.
Join the SKOOT family and help us plant more mangroves!
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