After Decades of Decline, Mangroves Are Finally Growing Back
A global study indicates that the decline of mangrove forests has slowed, with net gains observed since 2010 due to conservation and regeneration efforts. While not a full recovery, this trend is significant given the vital role mangroves play in carbon storage, biodiversity, and coastal protection.
Why it matters
The stabilization of mangrove ecosystems is a critical development for climate change mitigation and the protection of coastal communities against environmental damage.
Every July 26, people around the world observe the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, commonly known as World Mangrove Day . UNESCO established the observance in 2015 to raise awareness of the importance of mangroves and promote their sustainable conservation and management.
This year’s celebration arrives with encouraging evidence that decades of decline in global mangrove extent may be beginning to reverse. A global study published in Science found that mangrove extent shifted from net loss to net gain around 2010. By 2023, the total area of mangroves worldwide stood approximately 0.5% below its level in the 1980s, indicating that recent expansion and regeneration had offset much of the earlier decline.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in