THE NAVY SECRETARIAT IN THE CONSERVATION OF MANGROVES

Mexico's wetlands are of great importance from an ecological and socioeconomic point of view due to their multiple functions, values and attributes, which are essential for society as a whole. These ecosystems possess a great natural wealth that must be conserved and managed in a responsible and sustainable manner, using the best available information and technology.

Consequently, the use of these ecosystems must be carried out under a scheme of responsibility and equity, in order to promote the well-being of the population and guarantee that the values, goods, and environmental services provided by wetlands will last in the long term, to maintain the possibility of their use by future generations. These ecosystems have suffered transformation processes for different purposes, and their ignorance and inadequate management constitute some of the main problems that threaten their conservation in Mexico, as is the case of mangroves.

Because of this, the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), within the scope of its attributions, carried out the Institutional Program for the Protection, Conservation, Restoration and Reforestation of Mangroves, in both coasts of Mexico, with the purpose of strengthening actions focused on the protection and conservation of mangroves, as well as increasing the restoration, reforestation and environmental education of military and civilian personnel within the naval jurisdictions focused on the conservation of this ecosystem.