WILLEMSTAD - As part of the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, proclaimed by UNESCO on July 26, the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) has issued a report on mangroves.

"Mangroves are important trees that grow along the coast and its importance made Unesco decide in 2015 to dedicate 26 July to mangroves to make people aware of these fragile ecosystems. Mangroves are essential for biodiversity, coastal protection, water treatment, tourism and food production, "says GMN.

GMN writes that mangroves are a habitat for different species of birds, fish and other marine organisms.

“The location where they are on the coast together with the structure of the roots provide coastal protection against erosion, rough seas or hurricanes. These trees also provide air and water purification. Clean and well-kept mangrove areas are an interesting tourist attraction. These trees also cause an increase in fish stocks. "

Mangroves are protected under international conventions such as Ramsar, Convention on Biological Diversity and the SPAW Protocol. “Although we realize how important mangroves are, we do not yet have all the laws to protect them. But that does not mean that they can be cut down just like that. We always respond to reports of mangrove destruction,” says GMN