Save the Mangroves, Save the Ocean. WELL/BEINGS Three-year Campaign.
“Mangroves are the unsung heroes in reversing climate change. Sequestering more carbon than the rain forest, yet most have never heard of these incredible marine forests that root along our coastlines worldwide.”
WELL/BEINGS Co-Founders, Amanda Hearst Rønning and Breanna Schultz, in the mangroves.
man-what? mangroves!
Mangroves are incredible underwater forests that line our ocean's coasts, protect against severe climate and in partnership with our ocean, help give us every second breath we take. Their massive roots bend and curve, digging deep into the sand floor of the ocean along our coastlines. “Mangroves are the unsung heroes in reversing climate change. Sequestering more carbon than the rain forest, yet most have never heard of these incredible marine forests that root along our coastlines worldwide.” They embody the interconnection between human health and well being, animal welfare and environmental justice.” Breanna Schultz, WELL/BEINGS co-founder.
Working with incredible partners on the ground, WELL/BEINGS is setting incredible goals by working to conserve, restore, and rehabilitate mangroves. In Vieques, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands, WELL/BEINGS Save the Mangroves, Save the Ocean campaign with partners, Unite BVI, and Vieques Conservation Historical Trust are creating a safe habitat for thousands of species of wildlife, birds, fish, marine and land animals from the Lemon Shark to Tigers to the beloved sea cow aka the Manatee. Mangroves are also providing a more thriving eco-system that impacts coastal communities, their economy and protection of land.
“Everyday there seems to be another climate crisis that is affecting humans and animals around the world. We know it can feel overwhelming sometimes. But in reality, we have these incredible ecosystems, mangroves, that might be the answer to protecting our planet’s future. All children and future generations deserve a healthy planet, and that is also why WELL/BEINGS is so committed to protecting mangroves, which keep our oceans healthy and in return, gives us every second breath we take,” Amanda Hearst Rønning, WELL/BEINGS co-founder.
WELL/BEINGS ethos is built on “animals, people, planet.” mangroves relate how?
Mangroves act as carbon sinks which in turn provide a healthier planet for us all. Mangrove forests are able to store up to ten times more carbon than other terrestrial forests. Cutting down mangroves, or their destruction from severe climate or by man’s interference will only result in a mass release of carbon into the atmosphere.
Mangrove ecosystems, as previosuly shared, are home to a myriad of species and serves as a nesting, breeding, and nursing ground for a plethora of wildlife. As more and more mangrove forests are cleared or destroyed, valuable habitat is lost and species such as the Bengal tiger are at risk of extinction.
mangroves line our oceans coastlines globally. does that include the u.s. where well/beings is founded?
Yes, mangroves can be found in Florida, Texas, Tennessee and all the way across the world to Africa, across Asia, South America to New Zealand and more. Mangrove forests act as a physical buffer between marine life, the ocean and terrestrial communities. The trees protect the coastlines from severe weather events like tsunami and hurricanes as well as slow down erosion. A 500 meter wide mangrove forest can reduce coastal catastrophe by up to 100%. Mangroves provide invaluable protection to nearby communities that are prone to storms and are at risk of sea-level rise.
How DO MANGROVES PROVIDE ECONOMIC RESOURCES TO COASTAL COMMUNITIES?
Millions of people rely on mangroves as a source for food, income and overall well being, particularly, the forest waters which provide an abundance of fish for local fishermen to sell and provide for themselves and their family.
Mangroves are an extraordinary gift of nature. Not only are they a majestic sight to be seen, but the benefits and resources which mangroves provide are immeasurable.
WELL/BEINGS is proud to lead our first three-year campaign, Save the Mangroves, Save the Ocean.
To read more about our Save the Mangroves, Save the Ocean campaign click here.
To donate to the conservation, preservation, education and planting of mangroves, click here.
