Field Trip Objective:

Coastal ecosystems – such as mangroves, seagrasses and saltmarshes –sequester significant amounts of carbon and are notably rich in biodiversity; these ‘Blue Carbon’ (BC) ecosystems are increasingly recognized as key Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that can make a vital contribution to climate change mitigation. Mangroves can also help reduce the risks and impacts of climate change while providing multiple co-benefits: they offer critical habitats for biodiversity, enhance local fisheries production, and protect coastal communities from erosion and storms. Yet mangroves face many threats, including deforestation, coastal development, pollution and climate change.

Description (Objective):

Participants will:

• Assist the team of citizen scientists to monitor the mangroves and the wildlife supported by the restoration.
• Help to measure the growth and health of the trees, count crabs and their burrows, the number of snails in a sample area, the number of species of birds seen throughout the day, signs of insect pollinators and pests.

Learning Outcome(s):

Assist the team of citizen scientists to monitor the mangroves and the wildlife supported by the restoration. 

Itinerary:

- Get the bus to the site by 11:00am for a briefing on the mangrove species, the importance of citizen science and what they can expect
- Measure and monitor mangrove trees by splitting into groups and measuring in a specific sample space
- Measure and count the number of species in that area
- Collect the data
- Reflection session and bus back for approx. 1:00 pm

Activities
- Introduction and brief masterclass on mangroves and species in the forest
- Monitoring and measuring species
- Reflection