This view led individuals and businesses to disregard these areas as unimportant and therefore they served as prime locations for dumping and pollution. This dumping and pollution led to the further degradation and destruction of these vital natural habitats.
The traditional view of mangrove forests as wastelands promoted their degradation by encouraging neglect, resource exploitation, and a lack of protective measures. This resulted in increased vulnerability to pollution and natural disasters. As a vital ecosystem, mangroves play critical roles in coastal protection and biodiversity, and their mischaracterization has led to significant environmental harm.
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