Life Below Earth Booklet - Flipbook - Page 12
RESTORING NATURE’S
HABITAT
A昀昀orestation as a term means establishing a new forest on lands which historically have
not contained nature. Both a昀昀orestation and reforestation are critical in preserving and
enriching the environment. Providing habitats for various plants and animals species whilst
acting as natural carbon sinks, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and producing
sustainable resources. They can have a profound impact on species composition across all
groups, in昀氀uencing fundamental changes within the ecosystem structure and the functioning
of nature. Including changes in shadings, nutrient cycles and water balance - which may
cause diverse changes in biodiversity and natural balance.
Whilst our Life on Earth project focuses on growing SMI’s forests topside there are various
marine wildlife, including four core types of marine ecosystem, that are also supported and
vital to overcoming the world’s biodiversity crisis.
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Mangrove forests are coastal ecosystems
found in tropical and subtropical regions
between the freshwater and saltwater.
These ecosystems are highly e昀昀ective at
sequestering carbon, storing it both in the
biomass of the plants (their living tissues)
and in the soil, where organic material
accumulates over time. In addition to
their carbon storage capacity, mangroves
provide a safe nursery, food and protection
for young marine life before they are ready
to move further out to sea or populate coral
reefs. They act as a protection to coastlines
from storms and erosion, whilst also 昀椀ltering
pollutants from the water. As part of our
tree planting scheme, we have planted
5,898 mangroves through Ecologi
(as of 18.11.24).
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