Although we think of forests as trees on land, some of the most important trees grow in water, or more precisely, marshland. Mangrove forests, like this one in Saloum Delta National Park in Senegal, are vital components of the world"s coastal ecosystems. Mangroves survive where no other trees can, in salty, low-oxygen coastal waters exposed to tides and storms. They grow up to 30 feet high primarily in tropical and subtropical regions and are able to store vast amounts of carbon, making them crucial to moderating our climate. Mangroves also act as nurseries for fish and aquatic life. And with their complex, interwoven root systems, they protect coastlines from erosion. Today we join the UN in shining a light on the necessity and fragility of mangroves: July 26 is the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
Mangrove Conservation Day
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Let us introduce you…
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Falling for Rioja
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A snuggling ball of cute
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Falling for Tennessee
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Here we mark the price of freedom
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Autumn in Piedmont
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Bryce Canyon National Park turns 100
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Barn owl, England
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In praise of the pipes
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Hemakuta Hill, Hampi, India
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A path to access
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Wahclella Falls, Oregon
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A house of grand scale(s)
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Mont-Saint-Michel
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Discovery Day in Yukon, Canada
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What are we looking at?
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50 years of World Heritage Sites
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Schönbrunn Palace Park, Vienna, Austria
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Lunar eclipse
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A whale of a picture
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Happy Boxing Day!
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International Day of Color
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Happy Arbor Day!
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Spread some love with Bing
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Village of Labro, Italy
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A lunar lantern celebration
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Glacial spires in the fog
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Cranborne Chase, England
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There once was a lighthouse from...
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A ‘circus of chaos’ for Stravinsky