Coastal wetlands, vital ecosystems providing numerous benefits, are increasingly threatened by salinization. While salt is a natural component, excessive intrusion, exacerbated by human activities and unsustainable land management, poses a significant risk to their ecological balance.
Importance of Coastal Wetlands
Coastal wetlands, including salt marshes and mangroves, offer critical habitats and play a key role in human well-being. They contribute to food security, clean water, climate regulation, and natural disaster mitigation. These wetlands also protect coastlines from erosion and flooding, acting as natural buffers against storms.
The Growing Threat of Salinization
Unsustainable land management and expansion into coastal areas exacerbate salinization. Climate change, including sea-level rise and altered rainfall patterns, further intensifies this threat. Saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers, often driven by excessive groundwater extraction, leads to long-term soil salinization.
Mitigation and Sustainable Practices
Addressing salinization requires sustainable practices to balance human needs and environmental health. Protecting and restoring coastal wetlands is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts and ensuring the continued provision of vital ecosystem services.