Title: The Impact of Development and Global Warming on our Mangroves: A Call to Action
Introduction: Over the past decade, the damaging of our mangrove system in the Bahamas has resulted in devastating consequences for our very way of life. The image above serves as a stark reminder of the damages that are as a result of hurricanes that have passed through our islands, causing many deaths and billions of dollars due to storm surges, all as a result of uprooting our mangrove habitats in the name of housing and resort development.
The mangrove eco system is of vital importance not only to protect and preserve the natural habitats that depend heavily on them for their survival, but as a natural buffer against hurricanes, floods and storm surges that can affect our lives economically and otherwise. In this blog, I will explore the various ways in which our mangrove system is being destroyed and discuss practical steps we can take to protect the habitats that rely on them. 1. Real Estate Development
The image depicts the dredging of one of our mangrove ecosystems. for the development of a marina. This is just one example of the reckless occurrences that developers today in the name of progress which end up destroying the countless marine and other animals that depend on it for their survival.
In real estate, wetlands and mangroves are often referred to as >rich man's land" as they cost pennies on the dollar to purchase but are sold at very high market values once they are developed. Because many of the coastal areas are highly prized for their ocean views or beachfronts, over the years this practice has continued to cause damages that result from just the slightest bit of rainfall to natural disasters. To combat this issue, we must place more government legislation on real estate and other developers to ensure that our mangrove systems are protected and perhaps increase the market values of such properties to that of our pristine beaches, so that more finances can be used to protect the ecosystem and discourage future development.
2. Dredging Contamination: Dredging our mangrove systems to develop marinas is another major issue many habitats face. This type of action destroys our coral reef beds by producing lots of dust that may block the sunlight that s needed for the growth of algae. This can pose a physical threat to marine life as algae is essential for coral growth.
It can also cause chemical pollution with fuels and other toxins emitted from boats, pollution and human waste, that can be washed from the land into the water. Absorbing these chemicals into our marine ecosystem can enter the food chain which will eventually affect our health as by marine organisms and enter the food chain. One way to combat this is to ensure that human developments like marinas, incorporate rather than destroy mangrove habitats in their development plans and find more eco-friendly alternatives to fuel and other chemicals. 3. Gobal Warming
a. Reduce Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable alternatives such as cloth bags, stainless steel water bottles, and bamboo utensils. Say no to plastic straws and bring your own reusable shopping bags. b. Proper Waste Disposal: Ensure that your plastic waste is disposed of properly, recycling whenever possible. Participate in beach clean-ups and encourage others to do the same. c. Support Sustainable Brands: Choose products from companies that prioritize sustainable packaging and are committed to reducing their plastic footprint. d. Spread Awareness: Share the image and information about the impact of plastic pollution on social media platforms. Educate others about the importance of reducing plastic waste and the steps they can take to make a difference. Conclusion: The image of the sea turtle entangled in plastic serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address plastic pollution. By making conscious choices in our daily lives and advocating for change, we can protect our oceans and the diverse marine life that depends on them. Let's take action now to ensure a cleaner and healthier future for our planet.
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