CEBU, Philippines - Mangroves are one of the Rhizopora species and also part of the higher plants, e.g. shrubs and trees. They serve the best functions in our biodiversity.
One of the functions of the mangroves is for refuge. The mangroves serve as a shelter and source of food to migratory birds such as Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes) and Asiatic Dowitcher (Limnodromus semipalmatus).
Another is as natural water filter. It filters the pollutants of the sea water that is why it is very important to the Philippines’ shoreline. It also stabilizes the coasts and river banks. It prevents the erosion of soil of coasts and river banks.
Mangroves are very important to us. It minimizes the impact of tsunamis because of its prop roots, which anchors it to the soil as serves as home of fishes and other marine organisms.
So, let us love and help our Mother Earth and plant a mangrove on our coasts and river banks.