More Than Just Trees… The Mangrove Forests Ecosystem All Images are free to copy - for non-commercial private and public use. Make Reference to CERV 2009,

More Than Just Trees…

The Mangrove Forests Ecosystem

All Images are free to copy - for non-commercial private and public use.

Make Reference to CERV 2009, www.volunteerphilippines.com

| Let‘s have a look at Mangroves!

What are Mangroves All About?

Why do We Need Them?

What is Dangerous For Mangroves?

How Can We All Protect Them?

| Table of Content

© CERV 2009

Teaching About Mangroves!

What are Mangroves All

About?

1 | What Are Mangroves All About?

Mangroves live in a unique environment – between land and sea.


There are approximately 70 different mangrove species worldwide.


Mangroves seeds develop directly on mature mangrove trees.


Mangrove seedlings (propagules) already have leaves and roots.


Most mangrove species develop impressive root systems.


The way mangroves breath: vertical roots can be up to 3 meters long.


Successful reforestation: 70ha of mangrove forest in Kalibo, Panay.

Why do We Need Mangroves?

2 | Why Do We Need Mangroves?

Mangroves protect human settlements from storm and typhoons.


Coastal communities need the mangroves for natural protection.


Shellfish gatherers at low tide. No mangroves – less shellfish.


Mangrove roots hold sediments back and prevent erosion.


Fish, shellfish, crabs and other species need mangroves to survive.


Mud skipper also need mangrove forests as their natural habitat.

What is Dangerous

For Mangroves?

3 | What is Dangerous For Mangroves?

Storms and typhoons not only affect humans, but also mangroves.


Like other plants mangroves also suffer from natural diseases.


Snails can be dangerous particularly for young mangrove seedlings.


Plastic bags and other waste is a major threat for mangroves.


Goats can destroy mangrove seedlings and damage mature trees.

How Can We All Protect

the Mangroves?

4 | How Can We All Protect the Mangroves?

Rhizophora propagules grow up in a mangrove nursery.


These seedlings struggle to survive in a badly choosen planting site.


Mangrove seedlings can be easily damaged or even destroyed.


Mangroves usually produce enough seeds for natural rehabilitation.


Mangrove seeds can be collected at existing mangrove forests.


A general clean-up with students at a marine sanctuary.


Raising awareness! – Talking about the need for mangroves.


Former mud flats in Kalibo turned into a mangrove forest again.

Teaching About Mangroves!

5 | Teaching About Mangroves!

Coastal Communities need knowledge to protect the mangroves.

Workshop with high school students – including games and

activities.


The “Tree of Life” – one of the exercises during the workshop.


This exercise illustrates how all species depend on each other.


High school students answering questions about mangroves.


Students experience how dangerous a plastic bag is for a

seedling.


Worksheets on mangrove forests and other coastal

ecosystems.


Visualization of key benefits (green) and threats (red).


Elementary schools students during a mangrove workshop.


“Wind Versus Mangroves” – An activity for elementary

schools.


Elementary school students experiment with mangrove

seedlings.


The “Ocean-Bowl-Experiment” illustrates erosion.


The students‘ active participation during the workshops is

important.


Mangrove Education – Learning and having fun at the

same time!


Let us protect the mangroves,

so that they can protect us!

Feel free to use any parts of this presentation

Photos: Jens Marquardt

| Mangrove education

Documents

More Than Just Trees… The Mangrove Forests Ecosystem All Images are free to copy - for non-commercial private and public use. Make Reference to CERV 2009,