Taking Action to Save Mangroves
Wetlands Day 2022
Wetlands Action for People and Nature. Today’s Wetlands Day theme, chosen by the Convention on Wetlands Secretariat, is an apt one. Wetlands around the world are under the threat of destruction from infrastructure development, resource extraction, and climate change. As a result, an incredible range of biodiversity, such as the tigers in the Sundarbans, and human lives and livelihoods are at risk.
Mangrove ecosystems are unfortunately no exception. There are still news stories every month of mangroves being cut down or damaged by extreme weather events, like 2021 hurricanes Eta and Iota. However, there is reason for optimism. Deforestation and destruction have slowed in recent years and we continue to gain clearer understanding of mangroves, as evidenced in The State of the World’s Mangroves report. By protecting these coastal trees, all the benefits of mangroves to people and nature are preserved. Additionally, mangroves’ powerful ability to store tons of carbon out of the atmosphere provides a needed boost towards efforts to slow climate change.
Our Alliance has been taking action to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems around the world since 2018 by developing science, policy change, sustainable financing, and local capacity, and by supporting alternate livelihoods. You can take action and help us in our mission to save mangroves this Wetlands Day through the following:
Read the full Wetlands Day newsletter here.
© WWF / Martina Lippuner
