On Friday, July 26th, 2024, the world will celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. This day, designated by UNESCO in 2015 and first celebrated in 2016, aims to raise awareness about the vital role that mangroves play in maintaining the health of our planet.
Located at the intersection of land and sea, mangroves are often overlooked but are crucial ecosystems. They act as natural coastal defences against extreme weather events, provide a valuable habitat for fish and crustaceans, and have a significant impact on mitigating climate change. However, despite their importance, mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate, with estimates showing that their coverage has halved in the past 40 years.
Gavin Bruce, CEO of conservation charity International Animal Rescue, emphasized the importance of protecting mangroves, stating, “Mangroves are in danger, and it has been estimated that more than three-quarters of the world’s mangroves are under threat, along with all the aquatic and land organisms that depend on them.” In response to this threat, IAR has been working alongside coastal communities to restore mangroves and has successfully planted over 15,600 seedlings from 33 genera, covering 30 hectares in the last 12 months.
The efforts of IAR have not only contributed to the restoration of mangrove ecosystems but have also highlighted the critical role that mangroves play in protecting coastal areas and supporting biodiversity. However, there is still an urgent need to do more to protect and restore mangrove forests. As Bruce explains, “We are witnessing catastrophic changes in the weather, with severe flooding becoming a regular event. Mangroves are critical in the fight against climate change, stabilizing sediments and reducing wave energy to safeguard coastal farming communities.”
On this International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, let us recognize the irreplaceable value of mangroves and take action to protect them before it’s too late. For more information, please visit www.internationalanimalrescue.org.
