Kids save the mangroves in Panama
Panama's mangroves play a key role in fighting global warming. They absorb and store billions of tons of CO2 and protect against coastal erosion and storm surges. But they are under threat. Since the 1970s, Panama has lost 55 percent of its mangrove forests. Thousands of hectares have been cut down to make way for apartment blocks and grazing pastures. And so-called "cascareros" - people who specialize in debarking red mangroves for the tanning industry - have also destroyed millions of trees. But, with international help, Panama is turning the tide. Its environment ministry is designing new conservation rules and working with local inhabitants to preserve the mangroves. One part of the project involves a group of school children who call themselves young mangrove defenders.
A film by Christopher Springate
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Information
Length
7:27 Minutes
Date of publication
2017
Country
Panama
Project
Protection of carbon pools and sinks in wetlands and protected areas in Panama
Global Ideas
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