Today, 26 July, marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, approved by the UNESCO General Conference in 2015 with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of mangroves as a “unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem” and promoting solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and use.
Mangroves form a very special ecosystem that lies on the border between land and sea. These extraordinary habitats, found in 123 countries, contribute to the well-being, food security and protection of coastal communities around the world. They support rich biodiversity and provide a valuable habitat for fish and crustaceans. Mangroves also act as a natural form of coastal defence against storms, tsunamis, sea level rise and erosion. Their soils are effective carbon sinks, being able to assimilate large amounts of carbon. However, mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts.
UNESCO has been committed to supporting mangrove conservation for years, while promoting the sustainable development of the local communities connected to them. Their inclusion in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage Sites and UNESCO Global Geoparks helps to improve their knowledge, management and conservation worldwide.
