Werner & Mertz commits to protecting mangrove forests

Mainz family-run company cooperating with species protection organization AGA

Another building block to promote and protect biodiversity: Werner & Mertz has entered into a long-term cooperation with the species protection organization AGA (Aktionsgemeinschaft Artenschutz). The shared goal is the conservation and protection of mangrove forests in Kenya, which make up a unique ecosystem that plays a critical role in global climate protection and in biodiversity conservation. In a meeting at the company’s headquarters in Mainz, the cooperation partners spoke about concrete measures and their next steps.

“As an integrally sustainable company, we would like to protect not only single plants or animals, but rather entire ecosystems in order to protect and conserve biodiversity. The mangroves are such a closed ecosystem,” says Werner & Mertz owner Reinhard Schneider.

“A major focus is on raising awareness and educating local residents. At all times, we want to work with village communities to find solutions. We are accepted on site because the people see that we are involved not just in nature conservation, but also that we are there for them and help them with our work,” says Birgit Braun, AGA managing director.

AGA works with the state corporation Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the organization Bahari Hai im Mida Creek near Watamu to protect the mangrove forests in Kenya. Community Scouts prevent the illegal harvesting of the trees. As needed, AGA also replants forests in damaged areas with the help of volunteers from nearby villages. A large part of the cooperation is the environmental education for local residents. Through training and educational programs, the people who live close to the mangroves learn how important the forests are and become involved in their care.

True all-rounders, mangrove forests provide priceless services for people and animals. Between land and ocean, fresh water and salt, the low trees put down roots in the swampy ground. They stabilize coasts, protect them from erosion and flooding, filter the water and offer innumerable animal species shelter and a home. Fish find breeding grounds among the mangrove roots while sea turtles search for protection and food in the underwater thicket. Above the water, mangrove branches, twigs and leaves offer space and sustenance to monkeys, bats, birds, tree-climbing crabs and insects.

Mangrove forests bind large amounts of carbon. They are not just an important element in the coastal ecosystem, but also a crucial factor in global climate protection. Despite their significance, mangrove forests around the world are threatened. An estimated 2.5 percent of the global area covered by mangroves is lost per year. Deforestation and water pollution endanger these valuable habitats.

The protection of biodiversity is firmly embedded in the Werner & Mertz corporate philosophy. The environmental pioneer is engaged in local and international cooperative efforts for the protection of species diversity, the conservation of native biodiversity and the preservation of habitats for people and animals.