Conserving Mangroves through the Development of an Informative Website and Community Advocacy
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In Maldives, a total number of 13 true mangrove species are present and belongs to carbonate setting type and found in four different environmental conditions.
Mangrove ecosystem is some of the most productive on Earth. They provide us with essential ecosystem services, such as protection from storms and nursery grounds for fish. Wetland and mangrove swamps also provide another integral service - sequestering and storing "blue" carbon from the atmosphere and oceans and hence are a vital piece of the solution to global climate change.
The wetland ecosystems lying along the coasts of our seas are particularly good at sequestering and storing carbon and key in the climate change battle.
Wetlands and mangrove forests are unbelievable long-term carbon sinks, storing carbon in the plants themselves but more particularly in the soils below for hundreds to thousands of years.
These mangrove forests are one of the most important ecosystem found in the islands of Maldives.  Even though Mangrove forests provide a wide variety interacting ecosystems, their ecological, social and economic benefits have largely been neglected and undervalued in Maldives.
Red Clawed Mangrove Crab (Pseudosesa moeshi), locally known as Kullee Kakuni commonly found in wetlands and mangrove swamps.
Channel from Baarah Lagoon to Tidal Mangrove Swamp: According to local used by As-Sulṭaan al-Ghaazee Muhamadhu Thakurufaanu al-A’uẓam as a hideaway for his boat, Kalhuoffummi during his campaign against Portuguese conquerors during 1570s.
Large area of small-leafed orange mangrove (Kandoo) in the Easter side of Baarah has been cut for its firewood and timber. It is vital to initiate community-based mangrove rehabilitation and to restore lost mangroves and sustainably manage the wetland.
A woman is beating soaked coconut husk which was buried in Baarah mangrove swamp for a month with a wooden club to separate fibre to make rope.
Mangrove swamps poorly managed in the Easter side of Baarah. Mangroves have been cut for its firewood and timber. It is vital to initiate community-based mangrove rehabilitation and to restore lost mangroves and sustainably manage the wetland.
Rarely seen conger eel locally known as Koaven in the mangroves swamp in the Eastern side of Baarah. Like Conger eel, many of these coastal species spend critical early stages of their lives in mangrove waters.
A flower of red mangroves (Thakafathi/Randoo)
Propagules of Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) may resemble seed pods; they are really embryonic root structures. When ripe, these young seedlings detach from parent tree and float in salt water for approximately one year until a suitable substratum.
Mangrove forests play vital roles in resisting extreme events, and protecting coastline. Islands with mangrove ecosystems tamed furious waves of 2004 Asian Tsunami before hitting the settlements, where the power of tsunami was absorbed by layers of different types of dense mangroves and through crab holes.
Only a limited scientific work has been carried out to study these vital ecosystems. Moreover, these mangrove habitats are under considerable threats, including; land reclamation, pollution, clearing for timber and climate change and sadly these activities threatening their existence.
In fact, the same mangrove swamps and wetlands near the coast can be more efficient as a carbon sink than most terrestrial forests.
Fiddler Crabs (Uca Sp Ocypodidae) are semi-terrestrial marine crabs that are commonly found in mangroves and salty salt marsh and active at low tide.
Mangrove forests are unique ecosystems near the ocean coastline. These areas often serve as nursing grounds marine young sea life.
There are 10 different water bodies on Baarah which can be considered different wetland areas, though some of which were originally single water bodies and later divided into separate areas from human and natural causes. Additionally, not all of these areas are ideal for mangrove habitats.
There is no comprehensive scientific management of mangroves and conservation policies in Maldives, Hence, it vital to establish a proper mangrove management regime to sustainably exploit mangrove ecosystem products and services.
Mangroves also sequester carbon far more effectively and more permanently than other tropical forests. Further, studies have shown, mangrove forests store up to five times more carbon than most other than terrestrial forests.
Mangrove tidal swamp along the border of lagoon that is connected to the sea in Baarah which get inundated with sea water twice a day. Both beautiful and ecologically bountiful.
During the dry season the topsoil of the mangrove swamps in the Estern side of Baarah get dry-out killing fish introduce to control mosquitoes. In order to avoid this process, the island community has dug pits within the swamp, so that bulk of fish get collected in the pits during the dry season.
Propagules of Rhizophora mucronata known as the red mangrove (Randoo) sprouting in mangroves swamp in Baarah
Coconut husk are buried in in mangrove swamp to soak for a month to make it easier to get coconut fibre to make rope.

Haa Alif Baarah

Black Mangrove (Lumnitzera racemose), locally known as Burevi  is found along the two swamps in Neykurandhoo.
Small- leafed Orange Mangroves (Kan’doo) presently found in Neykurandhoo mangroves swamp were introduced and cultivated by people from Neykurandhoo. Kan’doo propagules were collected from Keylakunu almost a year after the Bodu Vissaara (major storm) of 25 December 1923 according to a local elderly person.
This Black Mangrove swamp get inundated with salt water during periods of storm or tidal surges. Its tolerance to salt spray, salinity and wind is poor and it prefers relatively higher elevation than other mangrove plants.
The island of Neykurandhoo can be characterized by a relatively small lagoon with the island almost entirely covering the reef. The circular shape of the island is typical of islands found in the center of the atolls.
The wetland area of Neykurendhoo is continuous on the eastern side of the island; majority of the wet land area is inaccessible due to thick vegetation.
Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) is the most dominant species of mangroves found in Neykurandhoo
The larger of the two measure about 0.32 hectares while the smaller one is estimated to be 0.11 hectare. These two water bodies grow during the wet season with heavy rainfall and shrink during the dry season. The entire wetland area is covered by mangrove fauna.
Mangroves provide a number of valuable ecosystem services that contribute to human wellbeing. In Maldives, propagules of Small-leafed Orange Mangrove (Kan’doo) are consumed after removing the skin and boiling at least four times, first time with wood ash to get rid of bitterness and then with salt to acquire a taste of salt
Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) found either as a dominant or co-dominant species in Neykurandhoo mangrove wetlands. A large number of young seedlings are found growing in the wetland areas wherever this species is dominant.
Small-leafed Orange Mangrove (Kan’doo) is also considered as a timber tree in Maldives. Kan’doo timber is strong and hard. These trees are mainly exploited for boat building and construction purposes. Kan’doo timber is normally buried in the sand at the edge of the sea for about six months to prevent decay. Poles from Kan’doo are used for house construction.
There is no comprehensive scientific management of mangroves and conservation policies in Maldives, Hence, it vital to establish a proper mangrove management regime to sustainably exploit mangrove ecosystem products and services.
This Black Mangrove swamp get inundated with salt water during periods of storm or tidal surges. Its tolerance to salt spray, salinity and wind is poor and it prefers relatively higher elevation than other mangrove plants.
The entire wetland is estimated to cover an area of 28.3 hectares which is 16.7% of the whole island. Two separate water bodies can be found within the wetland area.
Black Mangroves (Burevi) in Neykurandhoo is found around water bodies where soil salinity is low.
The population density of the Neykurandhoo was estimated to be 4.43 people per hectare. The island is among the larger islands of the atoll with 169.3 hectares of land area and holds one of the thickest mangrove forests in the Maldives.
Puzzle Nut tree/Cannonball tree (Xylocarpus moluccensis) locally known as Marugas found in the mangrove wetland of Neykurandhoo. Rare; a few trees are found in the mangrove wetlands in some of the northern islands.

Haa Dhaalu Neykurendhoo

Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) with roots systems swamp in Filladhoo
Red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) local know as Ran’doo is the most common mangrove plant found on the tidal mangrove swamp in Fihladhoo.
Red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) local know as Ran’doo is the most common mangrove plant found on the tidal mangrove swamp in Fihladhoo. Red mangroves are also called the “walking tree” because the tree has special roots called prop roots or aerial roots which extend from branches down into the water. These aerial roots make the tree seem as though they are walking.
In many mangroves a large proportion of the leaf litter is directly consumed by crabs, particularly those in the family Sesarmidae. This dramatically accelerates the incorporation of mangrove biomass into the food chain.
If existing destructive modifications to the wetland areas are not properly managed and regulated, there is potential to cause irreversible significant damage to wetland areas of Filladhoo.
Red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) local know as Ran’doo is the most common mangrove plant found on the tidal mangrove swamp in Fihladhoo.
Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) swamp in Filadhoo filled with sand with dead mangrove tree.
Red Mangroves almost in the sea: Aerial roots which extend from branches down into the water act as breakwater protecting island from coastal erosion.
Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) with roots systems swamp in Filladhoo
Aerial view of the small saline water body disconnected from lagoon by a narrow stretch of land was formed due to tidal surges during Iruvaa Khalha (the first few weeks of the north-east monsoon). This site has no note able significance of mangroves.
Red mangrove swamp in Filladhoo get inundated at least twice a day
This water-body does not have any flora or fauna associated with mangrove habitats, and this water –body got brackish water and is used by locals to process coconut husk for coir making. There was a large amount of introduced freshwater fish (Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and Bitterlings (Rhodeus spp.)) at this site.
Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) with roots systems swamp in Filladhoo
Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) with roots systems swamp in Filladhoo
A Striated Heron (Butorides striatus), locally known as Raabodhi hunched into a compact position, in egg-shaped posture on a Stilt Mangroves prop root over the water, motionless but intently looking out for prey. This solitary bird’s colorful plumage actually provides excellent camouflage among the mangroves prop roots.
Red mangrove swamp in Filladhoo get inundated at least twice a day
Red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) local know as Ran’doo is the most common mangrove plant found on the tidal mangrove swamp in Fihladhoo.
Mangrove mud snails and crabs exist in large numbers in the Tidal Mangrove Swamps in Filladhoo. During low tide, thousands of mangrove mud snails and crabs eat quantities of mud, and discard sand silt. In fact, these mud-dwellers are good pickings for fish, birds and the local people.
This small saline water body disconnected from lagoon by a narrow stretch of land was formed due to tidal surges during Iruvaa Khalha according to locals.

Haa Alif Filladhoo

A large number Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) are found growing in in Keylakunu. Boiled seedlings must have used as stable food prior to the major storms (major storm) that made the native islanders to abandon Keylakunu on 25 December 1923.
Buttress roots of Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) function as breathing roots and also provide mechanical support to the tree.
The entire wetland is estimated to cover an area of 10.8ha; 9.8% of the whole island. Two separate water bodies can be found within the wetland area, the larger of the two measures about 0.09ha while the smaller one is estimated to be 0.0.7 hectors.
Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) found either as a dominant or co-dominant species in many of the mangrove ecosystem of the Maldives. It also found in the form of pure stands. A large number of young seedlings are found growing in the areas wherever this species is dominant.
Keylakunu is an island covered by very thick mangrove forest with quite a rich indigenous biodiversity and cultural heritage. It is imperative to declare Keylakunu as a nature reserve for the benefit of, present and future generations.
Keylakunu also habour the biggest Grey mangrove (Barugas) forest in Maldives with numerous spongy pencil-like roots that spread out from the base of the trunk.
A large number of young seedlings Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) are found growing in in Keylakunu.
The entire wetland area is covered by mangrove fauna, Red Mangroves are concentrated near the swamps. Keylakunu was inhabited island and people abandoned the island due heavy rain and storms Bodu Vissaara (major storm) of 25 December 1923.
The wetland area of Keylakunu is continuous on the southeastern side of the island; majority of the wet land area is inaccessible due to thick vegetation. 
Bruguiera cylindrica (Kan’doo) is the most dominant species of mangroves found in Keylaku.
The island of Keylakunu is an uninhabited island currently leased to private sector for agricultural development. The medium sized island is located in the center of Haadhaal Atoll near Neykurendhoo and has an area of 110hacters.

Haa Dhaalu Keylakunu

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