GUYANA MANGROVE

RESTORATION PROJECT

The Importance of
Mangroves to the
People of Guyana

By
Owen Bovell

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 1

WHAT ARE MANGROVES?

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 2

Mangroves are forests that are
found on the seacoast and
riverside that can grow in areas
of high salinity (salt) and tidal
flooding (FAO, 1994)
Eg. Saltwater and freshwater
mangroves

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 3

How Many
Mangrove
Species do
we have in
Guyana?

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 4

The Answer:
Seven (7) Types
 Rhizophora mangle - Red
 Rhizophora harrisonii
 Rhizophora racemosa
 Avicennia germinans - Black
 Avicennia schaueriana
 Laguncularia racemosa -White
 Conocarpus erectus

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 5

Black Mangrove
(‘Courida bush’)
(Avicennia germinans)

 Dominant along the

coast of Guyana
 Roots have
specialized
structures called
“pneumatophores”
that breathe air for
their oxygen-starved
roots Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 6
 Red Mangrove
(Rhizophora mangle)
 Usually located
along the riversides
 Tallest of all
mangrove species
found in Guyana.
 Seeds are known
locally as “monkey
whistle”
 Roots are also a
characteristic feature
Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 7
 White Mangrove
(Laguncularia racemosa)
 Glands under the smaller
rounded leaf where salt is
flushed out.
 Nodules at the base of
leaf which secrete sugars
and used by insects.
 Trees are not usually
flooded unless during
very high tides.
Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 8
Why are Mangroves
Important?

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 9

Importance of mangroves

 Hold the soil together and

help to prevent coastal erosion

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 10

Importance of mangroves

Trap sediments and

break down pollutants

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 11

Importance of mangroves

 Shield inland areas

during storms

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 12

Importance of mangroves

 Source of food for fish,

shrimp and crabs which
we also eat

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 13

Importance of mangroves

 Provide homes and nurseries for

many animals (birds, fish, crabs,
monkeys, bees…etc)

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 14

Importance of mangroves

 Provide a safe haven for juvenile

fish, shrimp and crab located on
Guyana’s coastline.

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 15

Our Mangroves
are in Trouble!
Why?

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 16

 We graze our animals (goats, cows and
sheep) in the mangroves

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 17

 We cut mangrove trees for fuel wood and
poles for fishing nets and boats in a
harmful way and more than we need.

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 18

 Our fishermen are pulling
their boats through
mangroves

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 19

 We cut the red mangroves in an
unplanned way for use in the
tanning industry

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 20

 We dump garbage in the
mangrove forest which
pollutes the environment

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 21

 Natural erosion processes are destroying our
depleted mangrove areas

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 22

 What can we do to
help Save and use our
Mangroves better?

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 23

 Avoid dumping garbage
at mangrove sites

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 24

 Avoid grazing animals in the
mangrove vegetation

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 25

 Avoid pulling fishing boats through
the mangrove forest

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 26

 Talk to other persons about
avoiding the above bad practices

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 27

 Support the activities of the
National Mangrove Restoration Project

Edited & updated by C. Chin 2010 28