To collaborate with the conservation of Panamanian mangroves, the National Audubon Society and the Audubon Society of Panama have created an alliance since last year to value, protect and improve the coastal natural capital of Panama Bay and Parita Bay with funds from the government of the United Kingdom, administered through the Natural Capital Laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank, with the support of the blue, knowledge and dissemination of the importance of these two components and the strengthening of public policies that promote the conservation and restoration of mangroves, so they will continue to strengthen this alliance to realize these benefits.
The Audubon Panama Society reiterated that mangroves contribute to food security, filter the waters flowing into the oceans and reef systems and protect coastal communities around the world from storm surges, tsunamis, sea level rise and erosion, therefore, their conservation is a priority.
“The fish and crustaceans that grow in mangroves are sources of income for adjacent populations and have become an effective weapon to combat climate change thanks to the tons of carbon they capture. Teaching in schools and the general public about the multiple benefits of mangroves allows us to continue adding allies that act in their protection and conservation,” said Rosabel Miró, Executive Director of Audubon Panama.
Meanwhile, Julio Montes de Oca, of the National Audubon Society, said that mangroves are our first line of defense against climate change.
“Because of the coastal protection they provide and the services they provide to communities, we must redouble our efforts to conserve and restore them,” Montes said.