Images of The Coral Triangle Day 2014: PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Coral reefs and mangroves are interconnected, inter-dependent ecosystems: Coral reefs protect mangroves from wave erosion and storm damage, while mangroves provide shelter to juveniles of many reef animals. It is also believed that mangrove tannins act as a “sunscreen” for coral reefs, protecting them from too much UV radiation and thus helping prevent coral bleaching. Recognizing this, in celebration of World Environment Day (June 5), World Oceans Day (June 8) and The Coral Triangle Day, 60 students and lecturers from the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) planted over 300 mangrove seedlings in degraded areas of mangrove forest near Port Moresby. The activity was facilitated by the USAID-supported Mangrove Rehabilitation for Sustainably Managed, Healthy Forests (MARSH) Project. (Hover on photo to see details, click for bigger view)