In this era of violence, greater division between the have and have-nots, seemingly disregard for the scientific concerns regarding global warming, I happened across an item that gives a ray of hope that the young will bring about more immediate change.
The item I will reference is regarding a Chinese development project on the island of Cancun.
For some background - from the website "Oceans Futures" written two years ago is the following:
"Situated in the state of Quintana Roo and 36 miles from Cancún, is the historical fishing village of Puerto Morelos. It is known not only for being bordered by fragile mangroves, jungle, and beautiful beaches, but also its close proximity to the world’s second largest barrier reef system: the Mesoamerican. A mere 500 meters from shore lies a reef that is home to such protected and endangered species as the loggerhead, green, and hawksbill sea turtles, as well as elkhorn and staghorn corals. A habitat for over 2,500 marine species, including about 500 species of multicolored tropical fish, it is no wonder that the people of Puerto Morelos have strived to protect their homeland through the establishment of Puerto Morelos National Marine Park...Thus, it has deeply saddened me to learn that this beautiful park is being threatened by a looming development adjacent to Puerto Morelos: the megaproject Chinese Dragon Mart Cancún."
The recent news I read stated that the development had been put on hold by the testimony of Environmental groups and one of the key people testifying before the federal authorities was a 6 year old girl discussing the destruction of the Mangrove trees. While I don't have a transcript of her testimony, these are some facts regarding mangrove trees. "Mangroves, admittedly, are not only important but crucial for the coastal areas. Since estuarine areas are highly populated areas, the slightest ecological imbalance will take a heavy toll. They play a vital role in stabilizing these areas. No engineering and technological solutions can be sought for stabilizing these areas. Even if we negate all benefits of mangroves as forests, their value as "protector of shore-line" is enough to convince us for conserving them." http://www.mangroves.godrej.com/Whyshouldweprotectmangroves.htm
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