Mangrove forests are unique ecosystems because they live on the beach and estuary areas. There are many benefits of mangrove forests for people living near them. 

Did you know that 21% of global mangrove forests are in Indonesia? Indonesia is a country with the biggest mangrove forest in the world. According to Peta Mangrove Nasional, Indonesian mangrove forests are 3.39 hectares.

Mangrove forests spread across many regions in Indonesia have become a source of life for various species of flora and fauna in harmony. Thus, it is important to understand how important a human’s role is in preserving nature. 

For that reason, you must know the benefits of mangrove forests for nature, animals, and humans. Aside from protecting the beach from damage, this forest also has economic benefits. Read the explanation below to get to know more!

Various Advantages of Mangrove Forests for Humans and the Environment

The advantages of mangrove forests for life sustainability are big, either for beach areas or other areas. As a particular natural habitat, it becomes a natural conservation area for land ecosystems directly connected to the sea. Here are some benefits of mangrove forests you should know:

1. Preventing Erosion and Abrasion in the Beach

You probably know that one of the advantages of mangrove forests is to prevent erosion and abrasion on the beach. The towering mangrove roots can withstand the pounding of waves that can erode the coastline.

2. Reducing the Bad Impact of Seawater Intrusion

Did you know that seawater can seep into the land and impact the water quality as well as the soil fertility? You heard it right, seawater can harm the surrounding farmers. Thus, mangrove forests can handle the seawater and prevent seawater from entering the land. 

3. Growing the Coastline Gradually

The next benefit is growing the coastline periodically. Mangrove forests can catch the sediment in the seawater. The sediment will create a new layer around the beach, making a coastline as time goes by. 

4. Becoming a Habitat for Flora and Fauna

The next important benefit of mangrove forests is creating an ideal habitat for various kinds of flora and fauna. Mangrove ecosystems are often home to many species of crabs, shrimp, turtles, and birds.

5. Becoming a Natural Waste Decomposer

Mangrove forests also play a part in decomposing organic and household waste on the beach. Some crabs and mangrove roots can help decompose the waste. Unfortunately, this benefit has not been widely known yet. 

Read also: Is Throwing Waste in the Bin Enough to Solve the Trash Problem?

6. Becoming an Income Source for Fishermen

One of the most obvious benefits of mangrove forests is as a source of income for the surrounding community. Local fishermen rely heavily on the mangrove ecosystem to catch fish, shrimp, and crabs.

7. Filtering the Seawater from Land Mud

Mangrove’s root is significant for protecting the sea ecosystem. The roots can filter the sediment and mud from the land, keeping the seawater clear. 

8. Becoming Wood Sources

One advantage of mangrove forests that locals frequently experience is the availability of wood sources for a variety of uses. On another note, mangrove wood use needs to be sustainable.

9. Providing Vegetables and Fruits

Some mangroves have nutritional leaves and fruits. For example, Avicennia has leaves rich in antioxidants. There is also pedada fruit which is rich in vitamin C.

10. Catching the Carbon Dioxide in the Air

One of the most popular benefits of mangrove forests is the ability to catch carbon emissions in the air. Aside from that, mangroves can also catch the carbon in the natural mud around the roots. 

11. Becoming Research Sites

Another benefit of mangrove ecosystems for science is to be used as research objects. Scientists from various universities can study unique aspects that are not found in other ecosystems.

12. Becoming Educational and Recreational Sites

The last benefit of mangrove forests is to be educational and recreational sites. You can walk across the forest using the wooden bridge. You can also learn the importance of the mangrove ecosystem for the environment. 

Read also: The Youth Must Care About the Environment

Now, you already understand the advantages of mangrove forests. It is crucial to protect this ecosystem because you certainly do not want it to be threatened, right?

You can do many things to protect the ecosystem, such as seed cultivation, reforestation, or actively participating in mangrove care communities.

Moreover, to be more active in protecting the environment, you can join Indonesia Asri. This campaign focuses on preserving the environment with many programs and community education. 

One of the conservation actions promoted is #AksiAsri Operasi Semut, which focuses on educating people on how to sort waste before throwing it away.

This action is a real commitment from the Chandra Asri Group to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Register yourself to be Warga Asri now and join various educational activities and environmental conservation! Visit our website now and become a part of a society that cares about environmental sustainability!

Read also: Why Is It Important to Conserve Water? Here Are the 7 Benefits!