Decade-long dedication to restoring Mexicos desert mangroves
In a small fishing community in Mexicos Baja California peninsula, Ana María and David have been on a mission to restore the regions desert mangroves for over a decade. With dedication and a deep sense of purpose, they have worked tirelessly to bring life back to the once barren landscape. Photos supplied by the author.
David Borbón, walking carefully among the young mangroves, inspects each sapling with a sense of awe and joy. Removing strands of dried algae and seagrass, he delicately tends to the plants, ensuring their growth is not hindered. His devotion to this work has been unwavering, and after years of effort, he is rewarded with the sight of new propagules – small, green bean-shaped seedlings – sprouting from the trees he has planted. These mangroves, once only sand, now thrive along the shoreline, a testament to Davids commitment.
Located in the small fishing community of Campo Delgadito, Mexico, on the Pacific coast of Baja California, the area is home to 54 permanent residents. During peak fishing seasons, the population can reach up to 85. With the nearby Laguna San Ignacio serving as an important sanctuary for gray whales during their birthing and breeding season, the community is nestled in a unique and vital ecosystem. The mangroves in this region provide excellent resting places and feeding grounds for over 200 bird species, making them an integral part of the local biodiversity.
For David, his journey towards mangrove restoration began with a realization of the importance of these trees and their role in preserving the coastal ecosystem. Initially, the mangroves were simply obstacles in his way as he went out fishing. However, after learning about their ability to prevent coastal erosion, store carbon, and provide a nursery habitat for various fish and crustacean species, Davids focus shifted entirely towards their preservation. Together with his wife, Ana María, they embarked on a mission to restore and protect these vital ecosystems.
The mangroves in Baja California Sur may be small in stature compared to their tropical counterparts, but their ecological impact is no less significant. Despite their desert environment, these mangroves have been found to match or even outperform tropical mangrove ecosystems in terms of carbon sequestration. The trees act as carbon sinks, storing approximately 28% of the regions total below-ground carbon. This makes them a crucial resource in combating the local impacts of climate change. However, the mangroves face numerous threats, including rising sea temperatures and stronger currents that erode the sandbars supporting the trees.
Davids work extends beyond planting and nurturing mangroves. He is also actively involved in removing debris and seagrass deposits that can smother or damage the plants. Despite having no formal scientific training, his dedication and enthusiasm for experimentation have driven him to continually learn and adapt his techniques. His journey has been guided by a deep passion for preserving and restoring the desert mangroves of Baja California.
Source: resilience.org
