Mangrove Forests Are: Characteristics, Benefits, Triggers of Damage and Countermeasures

Mangrove Forests Are: Characteristics, Benefits, Triggers of Damage and Countermeasures – What is meant by mangrove forests and their functions? On this occasion About the knowledge.co.id will discuss it and of course about other things that also cover it. Let's look at the discussion together in the article below to better understand it

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Mangrove Forests Are: Characteristics, Benefits, Triggers of Damage and Countermeasures

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Mangrove forest comes from the words mangue/mangal (Portugish) and grove (English). Mangrove forests are also known as tidal forests, coastal woodlands, vloedbosschen, or mangrove forests. Mangrove forests can be defined as a type of forest ecosystem that grows in the ebb and flow of water, to be precise in coastal areas and around river mouths.

These plants are inundated during high tide conditions and free from puddles during low tide conditions. Mangrove forests are the majority of coastal vegetation communities in tropical & sub-tropical regions which are dominated by plants mangroves in muddy coastal tidal areas, especially in places where there is mudding and material accumulation organic.

Mangrove plants have a unique character because they are a combination of the characteristics of plants that live on land and in the sea and are categorized in ecosystems a transitional or in other words located in a place where seaside habitats and land habitats combine, both of which unite in plants the. Mangrove forests also function in balancing the quality of the area and neutralizing pollutant materials.

In general, mangroves have a prominent root system called the pneumatophore. This root system is a way of adapting to soil conditions that are poor in oxygen or even anaerobic. In mangrove forests: soil, water, flora and fauna alternate between giving and receiving and producing certain ecosystem cycles.

Mangrove forests provide nutrient inputs to aquatic ecosystems, provide shelter and nursery areas for fish fry, mating/spawning areas, and so on. The main source of food for aquatic organisms in the mangrove area is in the form of material particles organic matter (detritus) resulting from the decomposition of mangrove litter (such as leaves, twigs and flower).

Mangrove forests are very different from other plants in tropical and subtropical inland forests, they can be said to be a seaside forest with extraordinary adaptability. Its roots, which are always inundated with water, can tolerate extreme natural conditions such as high salinity and salt. This makes it very unique and becomes a habitat or ecosystem that is second to none.

Of the many types of mangroves in Indonesia, the types of mangroves that are commonly found include the api-api (Avicennia sp), mangroves (Rhizophora sp), tancang (Bruguiera sp), and bogem or pedada (Sonneratia sp), are the main mangrove plants that are widely found.

These types of mangroves are a group of mangroves that capture, retain sediment and stabilize the soil of their habitat. The mangrove fauna represents almost all phyla, from simple protozoa to birds, reptiles and mammals.

Broadly speaking, mangrove fauna can be divided into terrestrial fauna, freshwater fauna and marine fauna. Land fauna, such as long-tailed monkeys (Macaca spp.), Monitor lizards (Varanus salvator), various types of birds, and others. On the other hand, marine fauna is dominated by Molluscs and Crustaceae. The Molluscs are generally dominated by Gastropods, whereas the Crustaceae are dominated by Bracyura.

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Characteristics of Mangrove Forests

Mangrove forests have a unique physical identity compared to other plants. Mangrove forests have flat and dense crowns and have plant types that always leave leaves. The condition of the area where the mangrove forest develops has extreme factors such as groundwater salinity and the soil is continuously inundated.

Although mangroves are tolerant of salty soils (halophytes), mangroves are more facultative than obligative because they can grow well in fresh water.

This is seen in the types Bruguiera sexangula, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Sonneratia caseolaris which develop, bear fruit and germinate in the Bogor Botanical Gardens and the presence of mangroves along the banks of the Kapuas river, to the interior for more than 200 kilometers, in Kalimantan West.

Mangroves are also different from terrestrial forests, in that certain types of mangroves develop in clusters in very large areas. Besides Rhizophora spp., the other main mangrove constituent types can develop in a "coppice" way. The mangrove forest association not only consists of several types that are tolerant of saltwater and mud areas, moreover it may also be associated with brackish water forest upstream which consists almost entirely of Nypa nipa palm stands fruticans.

The characteristics of the mangrove ecosystem, especially from the appearance of the mangrove forest, apart from its unique habitat, are:

has relatively few plant types; has an irregular base (pneumatophora) such as a curved and towering anchor on Rhizophora spp. mangroves, and a pencil-like vertical protruding base on Sonneratia pidada spp. as well as on Avicennia spp. flames;

• have seeds (propagules) that are viviparous or can germinate on the tree, especially in Rhizophora;
• has many lenticels on the skin of the plant.
• On the other hand, the place where mangrove forests live is a unique habitat and has a special identity for the mangrove ecosystem, including:
• the land is regularly inundated by sea water, either every day or only inundated during early tide;
• it receives a good supply of fresh water from land;
• the area is protected from big waves and strong tidal currents;
• the water is brackish to salty (salinity).

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Benefits of Mangrove Forests

The benefits of mangrove forests in the lives of residents living in coastal areas are numerous. Whether it is directly experienced by close residents or the role, benefits and benefits that are not directly from the mangrove forest itself.

Plants that live in mangrove forests have a unique character because they are a combination of the characteristics of plants that live on land and in the sea. Usually mangroves have a prominent root system which is called the base of the breath (pneumatophore). This root system is a way of adapting to soil conditions that are poor in oxygen or even anaerobic.

Mangroves are scattered throughout tropical and subtropical seas, developing only on seashores protected from wave action; if the seaside conditions are the opposite, the seeds cannot develop properly and take root.

For Webster's dictionary, habitat is defined as “the natural abode of a plant or animal, esp. the particular location where it normally grows or lives, as the seacoast, desert, etc”. the free translation is roughly, a place to live in nature for plants and animals especially for can live and develop normally and naturally, such as seashores, deserts and so on.

One of the places where the community of animals and plants lives is a seaside area like a mangrove habitat. In this habitat also live other animals and plants. Not all habitats are in the same condition, depending on species diversity and the supporting energy of their living area.

It is well known that the island, as one of the habitats of the mangrove community, has a dynamic character, meaning that it can grow larger or smaller over time. The shape and area of ​​the island can change due to volcanic activity or due to changes in the composition of the seabed.

However, few people recognize that mangroves play a major role in the dynamics of island change. Moreover, it is quite surprising if someone reports that mangroves can form something island. It is said that mangroves have a significant function in 'forming islands'.

During a storm, mangroves provide protection for the seashore and moored boats. Its environmental root system is resilient to waves and wind and prevents seaside erosion. When the weather is calm the mangrove base collects water-borne material and sediment particles, slowing the flow of water currents.

If mangroves are cut down or taken from their habitat on the seashore, it can cause a loss of protection against seashore erosion by waves sea, and spreads sediment particles so that the sea water becomes cloudy which in turn causes death to fish and surrounding animals due to deficiency oxygen. This process also causes a slowdown in the development of seagrass beds.

Mangrove forest ecosystems share many benefits, either indirectly (non-economic value) or directly to human life (economic values). Some of the benefits of mangroves include:

• Growing the island and stabilizing the coast.

One of the positions and benefits of the mangrove ecosystem is the presence of a mangrove root system dense and dense environment, can trap organic matter and sediment carried by seawater from the sea mainland.

This process keeps the seawater clean and thus maintains the life of seagrass beds and coral reefs. It is because of this process that mangroves are often said to be land-makers because the sediment and soil they hold increases the growth of the seashore over time.

The development of mangroves extends the boundaries of the seashore and provides opportunities for terrestrial plants to live and grow on land. The base of the mangrove plants also protects the seaside from erosion. Viviparous fruit that can travel with water until it settles on a shallow bottom can grow and become a collection of mangroves in a new habitat. Over a long period of time this new habitat can expand into its own island.

• Purify water.

The respiratory base (base of the peg) from the fires and the stake not only serves for plant respiration, but also also functions in capturing sediment and can clean the contents of chemical substances from water that comes from the mainland and flows to the sea. River water flowing from the mainland often carries chemicals or pollutants.

When river water passes through the roots of the fire plant pegs, these chemicals can be released and the water that continues to flow into the sea becomes clean. Many residents see this area as marginal land that is not useful, so they fill it with soil to make it more productive. This is very detrimental because it can close the base of breathing and cause the plant to die.

• Start a food chain.

Mangrove leaves that fall and enter the water. After reaching the bottom decomposed by micro-organisms (germs and fungi). The result of this decomposition is food for larvae and small aquatic animals which in turn become prey for larger animals and land animals that live or visit mangrove habitats.

• Protects and provides nutrition.

The base of the sticks of mangrove plants provide nutrients and become nursery areas for fish and invertebrates that live around them. Fish and shrimp caught in the sea and in coral reef areas before they are old need protection from predators and an adequate supply of nutrients in this mangrove area. Various types of land animals take shelter or stop by to perch and look for food in mangrove habitats.

• Benefits for humans.

Residents of the seaside area usually recognize that mangrove forests are very useful and can be used in various ways to fulfill their daily needs. Mangrove plants are woody plants that are sturdy and leafy. Starting from the base, bark, plant stems, leaves and flowers, all of them can be used by humans. Some of the benefits of mangrove plants that can be directly experienced in everyday life include:

• Ship mooring.

The protected bay area is often used as a place for boats to dock and moor. In unfavorable weather conditions, mangrove plants can be used as protection for boats and ships by tying them to the stems of mangrove plants. It should be noted that this kind of mooring method is not used as a routine because it can disturb the stems of the mangrove plants in question.

• Drugs.

The bark of the tree can be used for preservatives and medicines. Various kinds of drugs can be produced from mangrove plants. The combination of the bark of certain mangrove species can be used as a medicine for itching or inflammation of the skin. Traditionally mangrove plants are used as an antidote for snake bites, rheumatism, digestive disorders and others.

The sap of a plant associated with mangroves (blind-your-eye mangrove) or Excoecaria agallocha can cause blindness. whereas if it gets into the eye, however, this sap contains a chemical liquid that can be used to treat pain caused by stings sea ​​animal.

Fruit juice and young mangrove bark can be used to repel mosquitoes. The juice of the tangang fruit can be used as an eye cleanser. The skin of the tangang plant is used traditionally as a medicine for stomach ache and reduces heat.

In Cambodia, this ingredient is used as an antidote to fish toxin, the tangang fruit can clean the eyes, as a medicine for skin ailments and in India it is used to stop bleeding. Mangrove leaves when put in water can be used in fishing as an anesthetic that intoxicates fish (stupefied).

• Preservative.

The fruit of the tancang plant can be used as a dye and preservative for fabrics and nets by soaking it in the boiling water of the tancang fruit. In addition to preserving the results, the coloring becomes brown-red to dark brown, depending on the thickness and duration of soaking the material.

This coloring is widely used for making batik, to get the orange-brown coloring. Water boiled from the bark of a high plant is used to preserve payang net material by fishermen in the Labuhan area, Banten.

• Feed and Food

The leaves have a lot of protein. The young leaves of the api-api plant can be eaten as vegetables or fresh vegetables. These leaves can be used as a bonus for animal feed. Mangrove flowers of the fire type have a lot of nectar or liquid which wasps can convert into high quality honey. The fruit is bitter but if you cook it carefully, it can also be eaten.

• Mangrove and building materials.

Mangrove plant stems are widely used as fuel either as firewood or made in the form of charcoal for household needs and small industries. The trunk of the tree is used as a building material. If the mangrove plants reach the age and size of the stems that are large enough, they can be used as the main mast or keel of a sailing ship and can be used for building blocks for residential houses.

The sturdy, water-resistant logs are used for building materials and soil-strengthening pipes. The large and hard pole-type stems can be used as pillars, piles, telephone poles or railroad sleepers. For mangrove wood fishermen, you can also make fishing rods. The tree bark can be made of rope or net material.

Some of the properties and benefits of mangrove forests can be grouped as follows:

• Physical Benefits:
  • Protecting the sea shoreline remains stable
  • Protecting seashores and rivers from erosion and abrasion.
  • Withstand storms / strong winds from the sea
  • Withhold the results of the process of accumulation of mud, thus allowing the formation of new land.
  • Become a buffer zone, and play a role in filtering sea water into fresh land water
  • Digests toxic waste, produces O2 and absorbs CO2.

• Biological Benefits:
  • Creating weathering materials that become a source of food is important for plankton, so it is also important for the sustainability of the food chain.
  • Spawning and breeding grounds for fish, shellfish, crabs and shrimp.
  • Shelter, nesting and breeding grounds for birds and other animals.
  • Germplasm source & genetic source.
  • It is a natural habitat for various types of biota.
  • Cheap Efficacy:
  • Producing wood: fuel, charcoal, building materials.
  • Producers of industrial raw materials: pulp, tannins, paper, textiles, food, medicines, cosmetics, etc
  • Producing seeds of fish, nener, clams, crabs, milkfish through the silvofishery pond pattern
  • Tourist attractions, research & learning.

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Mangrove Forest Area in Indonesia

Indonesia is a rich country, we must be proud of our country. we have the largest mangrove forest in the world, a spread of exotic coral reefs, seaweed that stretches almost as far as the seashore, an invaluable fishery resource.

According to Rusila Noor, et al. (1999) Indonesia is a country that has the largest mangrove forest area in the world with the most biological diversity in the world and the most diverse structures in the world. What's missing... we'll look at the information problem later below.

Mangrove forests or what are commonly called mangrove forests, even though the mention of mangrove forests does not match actually because mangroves are only one type of mangrove itself, namely the Rhizopora type spp. Mangrove forest is a unique type of forest and develops along the seashore or river estuary which is influenced by tides.

Mangroves are found in coastal areas that are protected from wave attacks and sloping areas in tropical and sub-tropical regions (FAO, 2007).

Based on information from the Directorate General of Land Rehabilitation and Social Forestry (2001) in Gunarto (2004) the area of ​​mangrove forests in Indonesia in 1999 was estimated to reach 8. 60 million hectares but close to 5. 30 million hectares in damaged condition.

In contrast, FAO information (2007) stated that the area of ​​mangrove forests in Indonesia in 2005 only reached 3,062,300 ha. or 19% of the area of ​​Mangrove forests in the world and the most in the world beyond Australia (10%) and Brazil ( 7%).

In Asia alone, the area of ​​Indonesian mangrove forests amounts to around 49% of the total area of ​​mangrove forests in Asia, followed by Malaysia (10%) and Myanmar (9%). However, it is estimated that the area of ​​manrove forests in Indonesia has decreased by about 120. 000 ha from 1980 to 2005 due to the alibi of changing land use to agricultural land (FAO, 2007).

Information from the Ministry of Living Areas (KLH) RI (2008) is sourced from the Directorate General of Rehabilitation land and Social Forestry (Directorate General of RLPS), Ministry of Forestry (2000) potential area of ​​Indonesian mangrove forests is 9. 204. 840. 32 ha with an area in good condition 2. 548. 209, 42 ha, damaged condition again 4. 510. 456.61 ha and damaged condition 2. 146. 174.29 ha. Based on information in 2006 in 15 provinces from BPDAS, Directorate General of RLPS, Ministry of Forestry, the area of ​​mangrove forests reached 4. 390. 756.46 ha.

Information on the results of the Mapping Survey Center for Marine Natural Energy Resources (PSSDAL) - Bakosurtanal by analyzing image information Landsat ETM (collection of image information for 2006-2009, 190 scenes), estimates the area of ​​mangroves in Indonesia is 3. 244. 018, 46 ha (Hartini et navy (AL)., 2010).

The Ministry of Forestry in 2007 also produced information on the area of ​​Indonesian mangrove forests, there is also an area of ​​Indonesian mangrove forests sourced from the Ministry of Forestry, which is 7. 758. 410, 595 ha (Director of Forest and Land Rehabilitation Department of Forestry, 2009 in Hartini et al., 2010), but almost 70% is damaged (don't know what kind of damage). the two institutions also produced information on mangrove areas per province in 33 provinces in Indonesia.

Triggers of Damage to Mangrove Forests

Some of the factors that trigger the destruction of mangrove forests:

• Utilization is not controlled, because the dependence of residents who live in coastal areas is very large.
• Conversion of mangrove forests for various purposes (plantations, ponds, settlements, industrial areas, tourism etc.) without considering sustainability and its benefits to the surrounding area.

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Consequences Arising From The Destruction Of Mangrove Forests

As a result of the destruction of mangrove forests, among others:

• Sea water intrusion Sea water intrusion is the entry or seepage of sea water toward the mainland thus causing the quality of fresh water in wells/rivers to decrease, moreover it becomes brackish or salty (Harianto, 1999). The effects of seawater intrusion are very significant, because fresh water contaminated with seawater intrusion will cause poisoning if drunk and can disturb the base of plants. Sea water intrusion has occurred in most of the Bengkulu seaside areas. In some places let alone reach more than 1 kilometer.
• The decline in ecosystem skills degrades organic waste, petroleum and others.
• Depreciation of biodiversity in coastal areas
• Increase in beach abrasion
• The decline in food sources, spawning grounds and spawning sea biota. The impact is that the production of fish catches is shrinking.
• The decline in the ability of ecosystems to withstand wind blows, sea waves and so on.
• Increase in waterfront pollution.

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Mangrove Forest Damage Mitigation Methods

For the conservation of mangrove forests and seaside borders, the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has issued Presidential Decree No. 32 of 1990. The waterfront is a certain area as far as the seashore which has significant benefits for maintaining sustainability for the seashore, and vice versa Mangrove forest area is a seacoast area which is a mangrove forest habitat which plays a role in providing protection for seaside life as well ocean. The seaside border in the form of a green road is 100 meters wide from the highest tide towards the mainland.

Efforts that can be made to improve and preserve mangrove forests include:

• Replanting mangroves Mangrove planting should involve residents, residents participate in nurseries, planting and maintenance and utilization of mangrove forests on a conservation basis. This model distributes benefits to residents, including the opening of job opportunities so that there is an increase in residents' income.
• Rearrangement of coastal area spatial planning: settlements, vegetation, etc. Seaside areas can be managed as ecological cities as well as can be used as ecotourism in the form of nature tourism or other forms.
• Increasing community motivation and understanding to protect and use mangroves responsibly.
• Business permits and others should pay attention to the conservation aspect.
• Increased knowledge and implementation of local wisdom about conservation
• Increase in the income of coastal residents
• Mangrove forest conservation communication program
• Law enforcement
• Improve coastal ecosystems in an integrated and community-based manner. The point is that in improving the ecosystem of coastal areas, it is very meaningful to be involved, which can then improve the welfare of coastal residents. Not only that, it also has an interpretation that local concepts (local wisdom) regarding ecosystems and their preservation need to be re-developed as long as they can support this program.

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