Effects of mangrove forests on the environment

Mangrove forests are a type of forest that is generally found growing and developing in coastal areas.

In our region there is something called Langsa Mangrove Forest Park, The forest, located in Kuala Langsa Village, has an attraction in terms of ecotourism, conservation and education, with no less than 30 types of mangroves in it.

The exotic natural atmosphere is certainly very felt when in this forest area, the green leaves of the trees, the roots that rise and branch out, coupled with the calm flow of water through the forest, soothing and pleasant when viewed.

Since serving in Langsa City, I have never entered this mangrove forest area, even though I often pass through it to stop at the local stalls with my wife and children while watching the fishing boats that pass by carrying out their fishing activities. There are also times when we stop for a moment on the side of the road around the mangrove area to see the monkeys, my children are entertained by their presence.

After paying the entrance fee of 10,000 Rupiah per person, my family and I explored the beauty of the forest by climbing the long small bridge that stretches through the forest. Looking around is full of various types of mangrove plants, besides that there are animals such as monkeys, monitor lizards, small birds and crabs that adorn this place.

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What exactly are the benefits of the existence of this mangrove forest? How important is its role? We need to know together:

Prevents Seawater Intrusion and Abrasion

Seawater intrusion is the seepage of seawater into the land, with its salt content, seawater can affect the taste of groundwater to become brackish, so it is not good for consumption. The roots of mangrove trees can prevent the intrusion of seawater into the land, the prevention of this intrusion is done by mangrove trees through their physiological functions and also their ability to convert brackish water into fresh water by releasing salt crystals through the underside of their leaves.

Mangrove plants have efficient roots that can protect the soil in coastal areas, thus protecting soil erosion due to water. So the presence of mangrove forests can prevent the erosion of soil and rocks on land (erosion) and prevent the erosion of soil and rocks around the coast (abrasion).

Carbon dioxide emission absorber

There are many activities in our lives that produce carbon dioxide emissions that make the earth's temperature warmer and encourage climate change. These activities can come from motor vehicle fumes, electricity use, to industrial activities. Therefore, it is necessary to maximize carbon sequestration efforts.

Mangrove forests can store five times more carbon than upland tropical forests. In addition, mangrove forests can absorb 110 kg of carbon and convert it into organic sediment in the mud. As a wetland ecosystem, carbon storage in mangrove forests reaches 800-1200 tons per hectare.

Maintain Air Quality

Mangroves have the ability to absorb and store heavy metals in their body tissues, such as leaves, stems, and roots, which are carried in sediments. Mangroves also have biofilter capabilities, where biofilter is the ability of mangrove forests to filter, bind, and capture pollution in the wild in the form of excess sediment, garbage, and other household waste. As a result, air quality will improve.

Apart from the three benefits above in terms of the environment, there are still other roles played by the existence of mangrove forests such as their functions in the economy and health for humans.

We need to preserve nature, because its damage is also damage to us. Nature is a trust from the Almighty Creator to be managed by humans, yes we are the main role holders.

Forests are the lungs of the world, damaged lungs, our breath is short