Mangroves are usually found on the ocean side of the islands in the Maldives.

Mangrove areas are highly producive ecosystems contributing to the food chains and  also suck up more carbon dioxide per unit area than sea phytoplankton!
Moreover, they filter out silt, nutrients and sand that would otherwise collect near the house reef, suffocating corals and encouraging algal growth.

Mangroves depressions or Kulhi, protect coastline from erosion and provide a breeding ground for crustaceans and fish. This is notable because milk fish is what the local population depend on as a staple food when other sources are low.

Mangroves also have the power to tame vicious waves of tsuami. The force of tsunami waves become absorbed by layers of mangroves and through crab holes, thus, protecting the settlements. Thanks to the mangroves, many deaths and destruction of properties are prevented.

Despite playing such central roles in the environment, mangroves are not well protected in the Maldives. Few people in the Maldives understand the importance of mangrove forest and "no proper regulatory measures are in place to conserve these vital...ecosystem."
Only two mangrove sites are protected. The rest are vulnerable of destruction by housing, tourism, and agriculture constructions. In many places, mangrove swamps are used as garbage disposals.
The eradication of mangroves has caused serious problem of intrusion of salt water into fresh water storages.

Even if the awareness of the significance of mangroves is low, I hope eco-generation members can help spread the word!