我们被遗忘的森林(Our forgotten forests)

虽然我们认为森林是陆地上的树木，但一些最重要的树木生长在水中，或者更准确地说是沼泽地。红树林，比如塞内加尔萨卢姆三角洲国家公园的红树林，是世界沿海生态系统的重要组成部分。在暴露于潮汐和风暴的咸水、低氧海岸水域，红树林在其他树木无法生存的地方生存。它们主要在热带和亚热带地区生长到30英尺高，可以储存大量的碳，这对调节我们的气候至关重要。红树林也是鱼类和水生生物的苗圃。它们复杂的根系交织在一起，保护海岸线免受侵蚀。今天，我们与联合国一道，共同关注红树林的必要性和脆弱性。7月26日是国际红树林生态系统保护日。
原文：
Although we think of forests as trees on the land, some of the most important trees grow in water, or more precisely marshland. Mangrove forests, like this one in Saloum Delta National Park in Senegal, are vital components of the world’s coastal ecosystems. Mangroves survive where no other trees can, in salty, low-oxygen coastal waters exposed to tides and storms. They grow up to 30 feet high primarily in tropical and subtropical regions and can store vast amounts of carbon, making them crucial to moderating our climate. Mangroves also act as nurseries for fish and aquatic life. And with their complex interwoven root system, they protect coastlines from erosion. Today we join the UN in shining a light on the necessity and fragility of mangroves. July 26 is the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
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