[ NATURAL ECOSYSTEMS ]

An ecosystem is a unit or system formed by biotic factors (alive organisms) and abiotic (components that do not have life). An ecosystem is constituted by the environment and the living beings.

An ecosystem principally needs ENERGY to be able to survive.

This energy is in the sun and enters to the community by means of the photosynthesis. The energy is transmitted to all the organisms of different forms.


| MANGROVES |

There are many natural ecosystems in the area. However, a special attention is paid to the mangrove ecosystem for two main reasons. First, the site for the project is a partially disturbed mangrove wetland, and second, the mangrove ecosystem plays an important role for other ecosystems including the human.

| TYPES |

There are more than 50 species of mangrove around the world.
In Florida 3 species of mangrove are known.



[Red Mangrove]
It usually grows near the shore of the water.
It has red roots.
Its roots raise over the water.




[Black Mangrove]
It grows in higher areas than the red mangrove.
Its roots spread near the trunk in shapes of fingers.



 [White Mangrove]
It grows in higher áreas than the black mangrove.
Its roots aren´t visible at sight.





| ZONING |

This 3 types of mangrove and the buttonwood, may all grow along the same shoreline. Each one of them ocuppies an specific area defined by the tidal zone.

| BENEFITS |

Stabilizes soil and protects shorelines from erosion.
         Creates habitats for many species.
                Are used as a renewable resource.


| RISKS |

At least 35% of mangroves have been lost in the last two decades.


| COST |

Mangrove systems are worth an estimated US$4,290 annually per hectare.

The size of the working site is 10.5 hectares, that means it has an anual value of US$45,045. The size of the protected area required for this site is 7.26 hectares, it is worth US$31,145 annually. And 3.23 hectares is the area allowed to use, that is equivalent to US$ 13,856 a year.

| SEAGRASSES AND CORAL REEFS | 

Coral reefs and seagrasses along with the mangroves and other nearshore terrestrial ecosystems are very interconnected by their physical and biological interdependence.