Mangrove trees are
very special trees; they are able to survive and thrive in salt water. This
allows them to grow along coasts and river mouths, where no other trees can
grow. Mangrove trees have elaborate root systems that help to keep the soil
together and that can even cause land to form when new soil from other areas
gets stuck between the roots over time. Mangrove forests, therefore, help
protect coastal zones against erosion and extreme weather.
Mangroves are also a
home to water birds and an abundance of sea life, like fish, prawns, crabs and
shellfish. The sheltered conditions between the roots provide an essential
nursery for young sea life, which will eventually grow into a source of seafood
and livelihood to millions of people living in coastal areas. In addition to
this, mangroves provide wood for building homes and for making charcoal.
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