Photo: Sebastián Mariscal – Profonanpe
“Wonder Mangrove” (Maravilla Manglar) seeks to make visible the conservation efforts of the Tumbes Mangroves. And, to protect the biodiversity in this ecosystem, the “Creation of a Regional Conservation Area (RCA) Tumpis Mangroves” is promoted to add more territories of life. These actions are led by the Regional Government of Tumbes, Consorcio Manglares Noroeste del Peru (CONMANOPE), ECOAN, Profonanpe and the Conserva Aves initiative.
Blue carbon presence
The Tumbes Mangroves, recognized as the last mangroves located in the South Pacific, store a large amount of blue carbon, which is essential for a healthy ecosystem, due to its role in mitigating climate change. “Blue carbon is captured by coastal marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes. It contributes up to four times what a terrestrial tree sequesters and up to ten times what a terrestrial tree sequesters in terms of carbon storage,” said Eli Ramos, CONMANOPE’s blue carbon specialist. The ecosystem needs to be preserved because of its natural wealth and its role in the fight against climate change, and also because it symbolizes a source of diversity and work for the communities in the area.
The Wonder Mangrove bet
Seeking to maximize the benefits offered by the ecosystem, the purpose of the project being implemented by CONMANOPE is to create an RCA to contribute to the regional development of Tumbes. The Conserva Aves initiative has facilitated monitoring to identify and evaluate the fauna, flora, and biological resources of the ecosystem, allowing for the creation of a baseline of economic, social, and environmental importance. To this end, training was provided to facilitate the work of various local organizations and specialists in the ecosystemic study of the mangroves. Based on the results obtained and the importance of the area, the creation of the Regional Conservation Area was proposed.
Photo: Sebastián Mariscal – Profonanpe
In order to achieve its goals, the Conserva Aves initiative supports the leadership of the Regional Government of Tumbes and CONMANOPE, who share the objective of maintaining and conserving living territories. Likewise, other partners involved in the area, such as the National University of Tumbes, are willing to do research on mangrove resources. This collaborative work allows the project to contribute to the fulfillment of SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources, as well as the COP16 objective: Protect coastal and marine ecosystems. Wonder Mangrove represents an opportunity to continue preserving the ecosystem of the Tumbes Mangroves, making the relevant presence of blue carbon a reality, which in its recognition and impact will be beneficial for the populations surrounding the ecosystem.
For further details on the progress of the project, please contact:
Henrry Preciado
Project Coordinator
943092764
Consorcio Manglares Noroeste del Peru
https://consorciomanglares.pe/
