International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
Mangroves are unique ecosystems between land and sea. They support biodiversity, protect coastal communities, enhance food security, and act as natural defenses against storms and erosion. Their soils are also powerful carbon sinks.
Yet mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts. Current estimates indicate that mangrove coverage has been divided by two in the past 40 years.
Established by UNESCO in 2015, this Day raises awareness of mangroves' importance and promotes their sustainable conservation.
"Mangroves are in danger: it has been estimated that more than three-quarters of the world’s mangroves are under threat along with all the aquatic and terrestrial organisms that depend on them. For this reason, UNESCO is acting to protect them and other valuable blue carbon ecosystems, through its networks of Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks and natural World Heritage sites."
Did you know?
Serving as nurseries for fish and crustaceans, food for monkeys, deer, birds, kangaroos, and nectar for honeybees.
Managing and restoring mangrove ecosystems is an achievable and cost effective way to help ensure food security for many coastal communities.
Where UNESCO works with local and indigenous communities to use science-based solutions to help humanity adapt to change.
sequestering vast amounts of carbon within the soil, leaves, branches, roots, etc.
it’s the equivalent of taking 2,650+ cars off the road for one year.
Experts estimate mangrove deforestation causes up to 10% of global deforestation emissions, though mangroves cover only 0.7% of land.
and increasing resilience to climate change impacts.
"We are working to protect mangroves and to better support scientific research into these environments. However, we cannot do this alone. We also need you."
UNESCO acts to protect mangroves
UNESCO supports the conservation of mangroves, while advancing the sustainable development of their local communities. The inclusion of mangroves in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites and UNESCO Global Geoparks contributes to improving the knowledge, management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems throughout the world.
It is committed at the scientific and policy levels to protect, manage or restore global blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses and tidal/salt marshes) for addressing climate change. Healthy blue carbon ecosystems also provide habitat for marine species, support fish stocks and food security, sustain coastal communities and livelihoods, filter water flowing into our oceans and reef systems, and protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges.
Through the MangRes project (2022-2025), UNESCO supports communities restore and conserve mangroves in biosphere reserves in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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