Placencia Peninsula Eco-Systems: Caribbean, Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Placencia Lagoon, Seagrass, Wetlands

The eco-systems that are important to the survival of the Placencia Peninsula are also integral to the survival of the entire world. Its mangroves filter run-off and protect sea grass beds, which, in turn, nurture juvenile fish that will provide food for people or perform important functions such as cleaning corals that will help ensure their survival. And compounds found in coral reef may very well help cure your asthma, heart disease, leukemia, tumors or HIV.

And, did you know that mangrove forests, salt marshes and seagrass beds are estimated to store 1,650 million tons of carbon dioxide every year — nearly half of global transport emissions — making them one of the most intense carbon sinks on Earth.

Fish and corals

Coral reefs also produce high rates of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), which plays a very important role in the global carbon cycle by absorbing CO₂.

So, what happens here, doesn't just stay here - it affects every single person now -- and in the future - our kids, grandkids, and great grand-kids.

Learn more by exploring the eco-system links in the left index.