???? Maximizing the Benefits of Mangroves: Conservation and Restoration Efforts ????

Dear LinkedIn community,

I'm pleased to present the premiere article of my LinkedIn newsletter. I hope you'll find it engaging to read.

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Mangrove forests, with their intricate ecosystems and unique biodiversity, are vital to our planet's health and the well-being of coastal communities worldwide.

Some facts and figures:

• In 2020, the global mangrove forest coverage was estimated to be approximately 147,359 km2. Asia-Pacific accounted for 51% of this total, followed by the Americas with 29% and Africa with 20%.
• Among the countries, Indonesia possessed the largest area, comprising 20% of the global total. Other significant mangrove-rich nations include Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and Nigeria, collectively harboring nearly half of the world's mangroves.
• However, over the past 24 years, we have witnessed a net loss of 5,245 km2 (3.4%) of mangrove forest, with the highest losses occurring in the Asia-Pacific, Americas, and Africa, particularly affecting Indonesia, Australia, Mexico, and Myanmar.
• Fortunately, recent years have shown a stabilization in global mangrove loss, and even some gains have been observed near large rivers, estuaries, and deltas. These positive trends highlight the significance of combining satellite imagery with local knowledge and field data to gain a comprehensive understanding of mangrove ecosystems' global status.

Consequences of Mangrove loss

• The repercussions of mangrove loss extend beyond habitat destruction. A comprehensive assessment of species associated with mangroves revealed that 1,533 species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and plants, have connections to these ecosystems.
• Alarmingly, 15% of these species face the threat of extinction. Among the threatened species, nearly 50% of mangrove-associated mammals, 22% of fishes, 16% of plants, 13% of amphibians, and 8% of bird and reptile species are at risk.
• Even more concerning, the extinction risk is increasing for 44% of these species, and for 89% of those already at risk, the situation is deteriorating.
• The Asia-Pacific and the Americas, particularly Myanmar, Indonesia, the USA, Ecuador, and Cuba, have experienced the greatest impacts on mangrove-associated marine and terrestrial vertebrates.

Why are Mangroves important to us?

• Apart from their invaluable role in preserving biodiversity, mangrove forests contribute significantly to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Analyses of carbon storage and the impact on small-scale fishers have revealed that between 1996 and 2020, there was an overall reduction of 139 Mega tonnes of carbon stocks due to changes in mangrove forests, with the Asia-Pacific region experiencing the most significant changes, followed by the Americas and Africa.
• Additionally, mangroves play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities across the world, particularly in regions such as West and Central Africa, South Asia, and South and Central America, where fisheries associated with mangroves are the backbone of small-scale fishing activities.

What needs to be done to protect, restore and conserve them?

• To maximize the benefits of mangroves, it is imperative to go beyond mere conservation and focus on reversing the legacy of human impacts and proactively restoring lost and degraded mangrove areas.
• Restoration opportunities exist in every region, with Southeast Asia offering significant potential. While there have been successful restoration projects, their outcomes vary, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence, best practices, and local knowledge.
• Moreover, recognizing the different roles women and men play in mangrove ecosystems and communities is crucial for the success and sustainability of conservation and restoration initiatives.
• Securing long-term funding, engaging local communities and stakeholders, including marginalized and vulnerable groups, and fostering political and societal will are all essential for effective mangrove restoration.
• However, it is important to note that the benefits of restoration may take decades to be fully realized, and the restored ecosystems may not mirror the original forest in terms of delivered services. Species selection for restoration should be carefully considered, aiming to recreate lost species diversity and functionality.

Conclusion

We are at a critical juncture in our relationship with nature. To build a more equitable and sustainable future, we must transform our approach to prevent further loss and degradation of crucial ecosystems like mangroves. Let us work together to conserve, restore, and protect these vital habitats, ensuring their benefits extend to both present and future generations.

Wishing you a fruitful and eco-conscious week ahead!

Picture credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/vPhccongZRY

References:

1. https://www.fao.org/3/ca8642en/ca8642en.pdf
2. https://www.unep.org/resources/report/decades-mangrove-forest-change-what-does-it-mean-nature-people-and-climate