Jamaica battles relentless plastic pollution in quest to restore mangroves
Jamaica battles relentless plastic pollution in quest to restore ... Mongabay.com
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Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Mangrove Restoration in Jamaica
Introduction
In recent decades, the mangroves in Jamaica have experienced a rapid decline, shrinking from about 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) in the 1970s to approximately 9,945 hectares (24,574 acres) today. Recognizing the importance of mangroves in providing various ecosystem services, including coastal protection and stabilization, restoration efforts are underway in the country. However, these efforts face numerous challenges, particularly near Kingston, where voluminous tides of plastic waste hinder mangrove growth and survival.
Mangroves and the Protection of Coastlines
Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the Palisadoes and the broader area of Kingston from coastal erosion. Without mangroves, the rising sea levels and intensifying storms associated with human-induced climate change pose a significant threat to the land. The removal of approximately 6,000 mangrove trees during the reconstruction of the Norman Manley Highway along the Palisadoes has already resulted in the erosion of the new road’s edge into the sea.
Mangrove Restoration Efforts in Jamaica
In response to the destruction of mangroves during road construction, Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) directed funding to the University of the West Indies (UWI) for mangrove restoration. Since 2018, UWI and its partners have restored approximately 6,000 square meters (64,600 square feet) of mangroves along the Palisadoes. The restoration project focuses on planting white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) and black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), with plans for further expansion.
Mangroves and Plastic Pollution
Jamaica is facing a significant challenge in restoring mangroves due to the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. Plastic waste, including lunchboxes, sardine tins, forks, and bottle caps, accumulates in Kingston’s natural creeks and gullies, which act as dumping grounds for solid waste. The plastic waste not only affects the water quality but also poses a direct threat to mangroves. Plastic debris can block the vital flow of water that mangroves require for survival and damage their roots, leading to stunted growth or death.
Mangrove Losses and Gains in Jamaica
Jamaica has experienced a significant decline in mangrove coverage over the years. While historical data on the country’s overall mangrove coverage is limited, estimates suggest that Jamaica had approximately 15,000 hectares (37,000 acres) of mangroves in the 1970s. However, due to land clearance and repurposing, only about 9,945 hectares (24,574 acres) remain as of 2020. This reduction in mangrove coverage reflects a global trend, with the planet losing 11,700 square kilometers (4,520 square miles) of mangrove cover since 1996.
The Importance of Mangroves and Sustainable Development Goals
Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services, particularly in the face of climate change. As sea levels rise and storms become more frequent and intense, mangroves play a crucial role in stabilizing and protecting coastlines. The World Bank estimates that if all of Jamaica’s current mangroves were lost, damages to residential and industrial properties would increase by nearly 24% annually. Mangroves also support biodiversity, provide nursery habitats for fish, filter runoff and pollutants, and sequester carbon dioxide at a rate ten times greater than tropical forests.
Challenges and Successes in Mangrove Restoration
Mangrove restoration in Jamaica faces various challenges, including illegal removal of mangroves, overfishing, and the lack of funding for comprehensive restoration projects. The Kingston area also struggles with plastic pollution, which hinders restoration efforts. However, despite these challenges, successful mangrove restoration projects demonstrate that it is possible to restore and protect mangrove ecosystems.
The Role of Plastic Pollution and Education
Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to mangrove restoration efforts in Jamaica. The lack of a proper waste management system and individual behaviors contribute to the accumulation of plastic waste in natural waterways. Efforts to address plastic pollution include beach cleanups and partnerships with organizations like the Ocean Cleanup. Education and awareness-building initiatives play a crucial role in addressing the plastic problem and fostering sustainable behaviors.
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Source: news.mongabay.com
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators
SDGs
Targets
Indicators
SDG 14: Life Below Water
Target 14.2: By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.
Indicator: Proportion of total water-related ecosystems that are protected.
SDG 15: Life on Land
Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
Indicator: Forest area as a proportion of total land area.
SDG 13: Climate Action
Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
Indicator: Number of deaths, missing persons, and directly affected persons attributed to disasters per 100,000 population.
1. The issues highlighted in the article are connected to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) because they discuss the restoration and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems, specifically mangroves.
2. The specific targets under SDG 14 that can be identified are Target 14.2, which focuses on the sustainable management and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems.
3. The indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets are the proportion of total water-related ecosystems that are protected (Indicator for Target 14.2) and the forest area as a proportion of total land area (Indicator for Target 15.2). The article also mentions the impact of climate change on mangroves, which is relevant to Target 13.1, but no specific indicator is mentioned in the article for this target.
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