The Mangrove forests around the Tarangua Bay harbour in New Zealand are being mowed down and mulched. Foreshore property owners are worried that a proliferation of mangroves will take over the shore and bring down property values. But mangroves have a unique root structure that filters pollution, slows erosion, traps sediment and protects shore line residents from storms and rising sea levels. Basil and Anne Graeme, long time residents and conservationists are working to prevent further mangrove destruction.
Guiding Questions
What are the short-terms effects if mangroves continue to be destroyed?
What are the long-term effects?
Where else do mangroves grow in the world?
Can you think of other examples of ecosystems that have been destroyed even when they serve an important purpose?
What are some solutions that you would suggest for this community?
If this was happening in your community what would you do? Who would you turn to for help? What actions might you take?
The boardwalk is an alternative to cutting the mangroves down. Can you think of other ways that this community might have adapted to their changing environment?
Activities
Stage a debate. Divide the class into groups and have the class make a counter arugment to Basil and Anne’s position. What points could you use to defend the homeowners who cut downthe mangrove forest?