A new study undertaken by scientists from Tulane University in New Orleans has shown that
the world has been gaining more mangroves than it has been losing.
Published to coincide with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, the comprehensive report has been broadly welcomed as an indicator that mangrove habitats are staging an unexpected comeback after suffering decades of destruction.
Mangrove forests serve as nature's most powerful agents of blue carbon storage, sequestering up to five times more carbon dioxide than terrestrial forests. They also offer protection against storms, erosion, and flooding, and provide natural habitat for over 1,500 different wildlife species.
Furthermore, mangrove ecosystem services, such as timber production, fisheries, and ecotourism, are worth up to US$33,000–57,000 per acre (0.5 hectare) per year.
Despite the good news, mangrove forests remain under threat from human activities such as coastal development, overharvesting, agricultural and industrial pollution, and climate change impacts.
In this gallery, we focus on the role these vital coastal ecosystems play, and highlight the efforts made by local communities in preserving mangrove forests for future generations. Click on to continue reading.