Mangroves are sturdy species. They can recover from storm disturbances relatively quickly. They can tolerate salt water, saturated soil, high wind, and storms. But they are a threatened ecosystem because of overexploitation of its resources.

Mangrove forests appear bright green in the Landsat images. Their degradation is evident in the reduction of the green color throughout the series. One island remains bright green amid the deforestation. That’s the Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary, which was established in 1986.

Mangroves offer a multitude of benefits, both for the environment and for people. As guardians of the shoreline, mangroves reduce the impacts from storms and tsunamis. Their dense and partially submerged root system protects inland areas from erosion and flooding.

Food security is closely linked to a healthy mangrove ecosystem. A mangrove delta is a nursing ground for aquatic species, which provide food for local communities. Besides providing fuel wood and building material for people, mangroves also purify the water.

Mangrove ecosystems have a global benefit, too. Worldwide, mangroves sequester an estimated 22.8 to 25.5 million metric tons of carbon each year. A mangrove region as extensive as the Ayeyarwady Delta is well worth monitoring.