The mangrove forest on Madeira Island in Itaguaí, covering about 230 hectares, plays a crucial role in protecting the coastline and maintaining the biodiversity of Sepetiba Bay. Often underestimated for its muddy appearance, this ecosystem serves as a nursery for marine life, sheltering fish, crustaceans, and mollusks during vital stages of their life cycles.
The mangrove trees, adapted to the soil, have aerial roots that stabilize sediments, mitigate wave force, and provide refuge for small animals, fostering high biological productivity. Furthermore, the mangrove supports artisanal fishing and shellfish collection, activities significant for the local economy and culture, and acts as a natural barrier against erosion and intense tides.
Bernardo Castello, environmental manager at Porto Sudeste, emphasizes that mangroves also store carbon, making their preservation a relevant climate strategy. Effective conservation requires collaboration between public authorities, companies, and the population. Porto Sudeste, adjacent to a mangrove area, implements comprehensive environmental monitoring programs, including phytosociological studies, water quality assessments, and air and soil monitoring.
