Mexico’s craggy Pacific coastline boasts a rich array of diversity from rocky, cactus-lined cliffs to expansive tropical jungle, isolated beaches and intricate lagoon systems.

One of the most threatened ecosystems in to world from Mexico to Asia also thrives here along the coastline, the mangroves that exist on the fringes of lagoons bordering LA MANZANILLA and BOCA DE IGUANAS, BARRA DE NAVIDAD, TENACATITA BAY and parts of MANZANILLO.

Coastal mangroves, like the 52 acres in La Manzanilla, are part of a complex and fragile ecosystem that connect many terrestrial and marine species in a protective and nurturing web of life.

From the waters surrounding healthy mangrove systems to the safe haven among their branches to the tips of their treetops, a plethora of plant, insect, bird, mammal and reptilian species rely on the mangroves for survival. The deep and acidic, moist soil surrounding and underlying the mangroves are rich in organic matter and very productive. Large communities of invertebrates feed on the organic matter deposited at the base of mangroves. Migratory birds also find shelter and security in their woven branches.

Mangrove trees are unique in their ability to remove excess salt from the water in which they thrive – enabling them to live their entire lives in a saltwater environment. Because they grow so close together, their roots and branches become large nets that work as filters letting water flow but stopping harmful sediments that damage reefs. Thus, they help protect the coastline from erosion, storm damage, and wave action while providing a habitat for crocodiles, herons, key nursery areas for fishes and other wildlife.

But mangrove habitats around the world are being destroyed as infrastructure from tourism encroaches on swampy land at a rapid pace. In many cases, commercial shrimp farming destroys many mangrove ecosystems due to expansion of shrimp cultivation ponds which dry waterways and lagoons.

The devastation of the mangroves wrecks havoc on vital and thriving aquatic forest ecosystems that support abundant food chains from coastal to reef life and affects many communities, both animal and human.