The Beauty of Mangrove Forests
For National Heritage Month our Year 4 Flamingo class have been learning about habitats, and how they CAN and have to help to conserve these for the future. Their studies have focused particularly on the mangrove habitats…Why are our mangrove systems so important? How do these work in unison with the coral reefs? And what would happen to our island if the mangroves aren’t protected.
Please take two minutes to watch the mangrove video above. Filmed in our neighbouring Bahamas, it give us a powerful insight into why we should actively protecting our mangroves here in the Turks and Caicos.
Amy Avenant from DEMA took the Year 4s on a trip to the mangrove system on Flamingo Lake. With her expertise guidance, they observed and learnt about these amazing habitats close up.
The children learnt about the impact that we as residents on the island are having on them, such as: litter, car fumes and the building of roads and buildings. This has had a dramatic effect on the species of wildlife that live in this habitat and the children all felt that was a real shame.
Amy also explained how the mangroves protect our special islands, and how they protect the beautiful marine life that our islands are blessed with.
Did you know that the mangroves are a form of protection against hurricanes?
Are you also aware that the mangroves provide a form of nursery for fish fry and juvenile fish?
The small channels and shallow warm nutritious water provide the perfect conditions for their growth.
Want to know more about mangroves systems around the world? Then watch this 30 minute video, ‘Mangroves – Guardians of the Coast’:
The children acknowledged how lucky they are to have a variety of habitats on their doorsteps, and the topic of conservation has been at the forefront of their studies. Alongside the mangrove habitats, they have been researching the amazing coral reef, and the beautiful plant habitats that we find in the TCI. This has led to the children having lots of discussions about how our local habitats vary from those all around the world.
Overall, Year 4 have all had a fantastic first half term learning about the natural habitats of the TCI. The trip they were so fortunate to have has made them all aware of the importance of the mangroves here and they now have a clearer understanding of how they can maintain them.
A very big thank you to our brilliant parent helpers, and a huge thank you to Amy (Environment Outreach Coordinator, Department of Environment & Maritime Affairs (DEMA)). The children learnt so much and they look forward to passing on their new found understanding!