The Datai: Renaturation of the mangroves
Children and other volunteers planted 1500 mangrove trees on the island of Langkawi in Malaysia to mark International Mangrove Day. The initiative was initiated by The Datai Pledge, a private foundation belonging to The Datai resort, which also operates the well-known golf course The Els Datai. The foundation, established in 2019, focuses on promoting environmental protection and supporting the local population.
High ecological importance of mangroves
Mangrove forests, the tidal forests of tropical and subtropical coasts, store a disproportionately high amount of carbon per unit area compared to other forest ecosystems. On the island of Langkawi, a Malaysian archipelago in the Andaman Sea, they are not only an impressive natural heritage, but also play a crucial role in the ecological balance of the region. These unique coastal forests, which thrive at the interface between land and sea, provide a variety of ecological services that benefit the local population and wildlife alike. Mangrove forests are known for their ability to protect coastlines from erosion by mitigating the energy of waves and storm surges. In addition, they act as natural barriers against tsunamis, which is invaluable for an island like Langkawi that is regularly exposed to tropical storms. The root systems of the mangroves stabilize the soil, preventing sediment from being washed into the sea, which in turn protects the coral reefs and seagrass beds that depend on clear water.
The mangroves of Langkawi also provide a habitat for a rich biodiversity. Numerous bird species, fish, crabs and other creatures find shelter here. The food sources provided by these forests benefit the eagle population of Langkawi, after which the island is named (“Lang” means eagle in the local language). But despite their importance, Langkawi’s mangrove forests are under threat.
Increasing urbanization and tourism are putting pressure on these fragile ecosystems. Many mangrove areas have already been cleared for the construction of hotels, roads and other infrastructure. Pollution from waste and sewage entering the mangrove forests also poses a serious threat. Deforestation of the mangroves not only leads to a loss of biodiversity, but also to an increased vulnerability of the island to natural disasters.
The reforestation of the mangrove forests is therefore being carried out by various nature conservation organizations with which The Datei Pledge works.
Image: Petra Himmel