Camilo Trench, Contributor

Some of the young mangrove trees planted in the sands along the Palisadoes strip, in commemoration of World Wetlands Day, February 2. The project was a joint effort of the Port Royal Marine Laboratory and the National Environment and Planning Agency. - Photo by Paul Williams

The mangrove forests of the Palisadoes Port Royal region are under constant threat from many sources of Kingston Harbour pollution (garbage, sewage, shipping and industrial waste), hurricanes and tidal damage. Tons of garbage prevent mangrove forests from naturally regenerating from seeds, as the young plants are often broken by the solid waste from gullies, or cannot take root in sand/mud covered by garbage. Mangroves produce seeds mostly in the summertime, which coincides with our hurricane season producing high waves and tropical depressions, easily damaging young plants. The lack of adult trees will also mean a shortage of available seeds for natural germination.

The Palisadoes has been virtually cleared of plant cover during the last hurricane passage, even before which, the sand dune (seaside/southern side) and mangrove (harbour) coverage was not impressive. This sand bar, formed by natural deposits throughout the centuries, has been constantly denuded over the years by hurricanes and storm surges, as by well as cultural uses (jogging, sightseeing, fishing).

Barriers installed decades ago have been removed and uprooted, allowing free and damaging access by motor vehicles on to the sand dune. It can be clearly observed that areas along the Palisadoes and Port Royal road which have good vegetation cover are not covered by sand during hurricanes.

This situation was significantly emphasised more recently with the passing of high tides, in which motorists were forced to make near-perilous journeys through seawater and rubble at the narrowest parts of the Palisadoes. This has serious implications for pedestrian and vehicular transportation to and from the Norman Manley International Airport, and the Port Royal and Palisadoes community.

It is obvious that re-engineering of the Palisadoes roadway is now urgently needed. Plant coverage on both sides should be incorporated with this engineering to help sustain this narrow strip of sand and asphalt, as historical and scientific findings show that plant roots are excellent stabilisers of any inland or coastal substrate.

Mangrove facts

Mangrove forests are assemblages of salt-tolerant coastal trees which are found in tropical and sub-tropical climates. They play major roles including the provision of oxygen, food, social and recreational uses, shelter, income and livelihood for all inhabitants in areas where they grow. The importance of mangrove forests to developed and developing countries is being realised to a greater extent in the 20th century. Unfortunately, an increase in our knowledge and awareness of the importance of our natural resources has not been beneficial to the environment. An increase in population has resulted in greater pressure on our natural resources, including mangrove wetlands.

There is a global challenge to restoring the world's forest, including mangrove forest coverage. Present environmental and develop-mental pressures, coastal instability, increasing harvesting requirements with growing populations and natural disasters are impeding the natural regeneration of these coastal wetlands. The restoration of mangrove forests by replanting is a successful strategy to mitigate for lost/degraded coastlines.