Partner Organisations: Wildlife Trust of India www.wildlifetrustofindia.org Contact WTI Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc. Contact PRRFCI

Reef & Mangrove Appeal

Restoring Mangroves and Preserving Corals

On this page:

Help Protect Coastlines and Wildlife
Why Are Mangroves Important?
Why Are Coral Reefs Important?
Make a donation to the Reef & Mangrove Appeal
Further information
Other projects in India and the Philippines

Help Protect Coastlines and Wildlife 

The World Land Trust (WLT) has established a Reef & Mangrove Appeal to raise funds for urgent regeneration projects. This appeal is assisting the recovery of mangroves and restoration of coral reefs, both of which are incredibly diverse but threatened ecosystems with important roles in protecting the coasts against the forces of the sea.

Two projects have been agreed so far:

• Mangrove replanting in the Visayan Island Group, the Philippines.
• Coral replanting and restoration in Gujarat, India.

In the Philippines the WLT will be working with the Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conservation Foundation, and in India we are working with The Wildlife Trust of India. We have also been discussing with Sri Lankan and Indonesian conservationists ways in which the Trust can help their mangrove and reef conservation and restoration work. See maps of the project areas here.

Mangroves don't bear fruit or nuts, but they regenerate quickly from propagules. These are seed pods which start to germinate while still attached to the tree, eventually falling into the water where they take root in the mud. See a larger image. (Use your back button to return here.)

Why Are Mangroves Important?

One of the most important trees on Earth

Although mangrove trees may seem rather nondescript at first sight they possess several ingenious and unique adaptations making them one of the most important trees on Earth:

• Mangroves are the only species of trees which flourish in sea water.
• Mangrove trees regenerate quickly from propagules.
• Mangroves provide vital structure to the coastline, their arching roots trapping sediment that would otherwise be washed back by the waves.
• Mangroves act as a barrier between sea and land, protecting vulnerable coastal communities from the impact of waves.
• The pools created by the mangrove root system provide spawning grounds for fish and habitat for many different species of animals, including bats, lobsters, manatees and birds.

Why Are Coral Reefs Important?

The rainforests of the sea

A coral reef can take thousands of years to form. Although they are being destroyed at an alarming rate they are resilient and with protection can bounce back. See a larger image. (Use your back button to return here.) © Richard Ling

Coral reefs are among the most diverse ecosystems in the world. For this reason coral reefs are often referred to as the Rainforests of the Seas. It is estimated that one-third of all the world's fish species depend on coral for their existence. Due to their structural complexity, corals are also one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing important services to mankind including fisheries, recreation and tourism.

Coral reefs also have an important role in coastal protection by slowing down potentially damaging tidal waves. They also act as sensitive indicators of water quality. Furthermore, coral reefs are considered ‘medicine chests’ of the future, as scientists believe that their organisms could well hold the key to cures for cancer, and coral skeletons are already being used as bone substitutes in reconstructive bone surgery.

Two threatened ecosystem

Mangroves and coral reefs have a very special relationship and the location of mangroves in the tropics often run parallel to coral reefs. While mangroves thrive in brackish, nutrient-rich waters, coral reefs need clear, nutrient poor waters. Mangroves purify the water of silt, human waste and nutrients, providing the clean water that corals need to thrive.

But both mangroves and reefs are at risk. Mangroves because they have been destroyed to make way for tourist resorts, or cut for firewood, and reefs because of pollution, dynamite fishing, cement making, harmful tourist activities and coral collecting for souvenirs for tourists and export.

Further information 

Background to the Reef & Mangrove Appeal (includes project area maps)
Climate Change and Nature Conservation: What the World Land Trust is doing

Other projects in India and the Philippines

Elephant Corridor, India
Philippine Reef & Rainforest Project