According to a local legend, the Mangroves were once a woman who was a free spirit until she was bitten by a magical snake. Her body transformed into a tree and from this tree flowed water and grew more trees.

 

The mangroves are a vital component to any tropical ecosystem. However, today over 35% of the world's mangrove forests have disappeared.

 

Explore one of Costa Rica's protected mangrove systems with GLA's "Protecting the Pacific" international student group and find out why these forests matter.