Thanks to Ann-Christine for hosting this weeks Lens-Artists Challenge
© irene waters 2019
A small flower – delicate, fragile
© irene waters 2019
but sometimes looks can be deceiving – the will to survive in any crack or cranny may show a strength that belies the delicacy we see.
© irene waters 2019
Rain drops on leaves – delicate
© irene waters 2019
Fish has a delicate flavour – unlike the bean mix which is strong in flavour.
© irene waters 2019
Some matters are so delicate we don’t talk about them often even when we should.
© irene waters 2019
Caring hands nurse the sick animals whose health is delicate just as nurses care for the delicate in hospitals for ill humans.
© irene waters 2019
As our ecosystem becomes ever more delicate the value of protecting our mangroves becomes even more crucial. Mangroves are essential as a home and breeding ground to a large variety of fish, crustaceans, birds and amphibians. These mangroves are crucial for our biodiversity. They are also crucial to our own life as the mangroves ensure the purity of our water systems as it sifts and traps sediment, heavy metals and other nasties and protects the delicate coral reefs and seagrass beds. The mangroves are even more in demand as sea levels rise as they help prevent coastal erosion and protect from high tides and storm surges as rough weather becomes more prevalent. Perhaps, however, most importantly they are even better than mature rainforests at capturing and storing carbon. They become crucial in our battle with climate change which has been fuelled by our use of fossil fuels and other carbon emissions created by mankind.
Despite this mangroves are delicate and although they only constitute around 0.4% of the world’s forests they are disappearing at a rate 3 – 5 times greater than the other forests of the world. These delicate mangrove forests need to be nurtured and protected as their loss will greatly impact on our wildlife and indeed, our very own survival.
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
What an incredible photo essay, Irene. I didn’t know anything about mangroves – I’ve never seen them in person. Now I know how crucial they are to our planet. You made me think about honey bees and how critical they are as well. We’re all in this together, as you’ve reminded us. Very well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Sharon. Yes there are so many eco systems that are critical to the well being of our planet and we are all in it together that we need to try and make them all viable for the sake of all of us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A very thought provoking and interesting gallery, Irene! Thank you for highlighting the importance of the mangroves. And you really made me chuckle on delicate matters we never talk about… A diverse post including important facts – and fun
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed it Leya. Life is serious but if you don’ have fun at the same time….
LikeLike
♥
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the mangrove forests Irene, they remind me of our cypress trees with their underwater roots. Wonderful post full of great examples.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Tina. I don’t know anything about cypress forests. You’ve sent me off to Mister Google to find out.
LikeLike
An interesting collection of photographs, Irene, and some interesting thoughts too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Robbie.
LikeLiked by 1 person