The
Cayapas
–
Mataje
Ecological
Reserve
is
first
and
foremost
a
mangrove
forest
due
to
the
sheer
number
of
mangroves
occupying
the
territory.
This
mangrove
swamp
exists
together
with
estuaries,
marshland,
dry
forests
and
shoreline
to
accommodate
a
rather
peculiar
and
quite
extraordinary
eco-system.
A
range
of
species
are
present,
precariously
related
to
one
another
and
characterised
by
their
tolerance
of
salt-water.
Strictly
speaking,
the
mangrove
forest
does
not
house
a
diverse
range
of
species,
nevertheless,
as
a
consequence
of
this
the
area
has
seen
the
emergence
of
a
great
variety
of
aquatic
communities,
protecting
the
area
against
sea-erosion.
Furthermore,
these
aid
important
ecological
processes
such
as
the
recycling
of
nutrients
and
minerals
and
the
maintenance
of
the
quality
of
the
water.
Without
a
doubt
the
mangrove
has
played
an
integral
role
in
man’s
everyday
activities
since
remote
times.
Almost
every
part
of
the
mangrove
tree
was
utilised
for
a
specific
function.
During
the
forties
and
fifties
in
particular,
the
mangrove
was
the
principle
source
of
tannin
extraction
for
the
chemical
treatment
industry,
an
activity
which
almost
destroyed
these
forests
until
the
extraction
of
tannin
from
tree
barks
was
prohibited
in
1975.
In
addition,
mangroves
were
exploited
for
their
wood
right
up
until
the
1960s,
which
was
supplied
to
the
coasts’
sawmills
for
the
purpose
of
constructing
residences
resistant
to
the
damaging
effects
of
salt
water.
The
deforestation
of
mangrove
swamps
is
directly
associated
with
the
reduction
in
population
numbers
of
shellfish,
fish
and
crabs,
amongst
other
species.
Furthermore,
this
has
social
consequences
due
to
the
fact
that
the
economic
livelihood
of
many
families
depends
on
the
exploitation
of
such
resources.
Last
Updated
21st
July
2006
(DLW)
