Mangrove Principles

Guiding principles on sustainable mangrove ecosystem management

Sustainable mangrove ecosystem management aims to promote conservation, restoration and the sustainable use of mangrove ecosystems to benefit local communities.

The Mangrove Principles are rooted in conservation efforts by the mangrove community around the world and provide guidance for national policy decision makers responsible for sustainable mangrove ecosystem management.

Contact Save our Mangroves Now! on how to become a signatory to the mangrove principles.

THE PRINCIPLES

PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNANCE

Policy and legal frameworks

1. Adopt national policies that prioritise the preservation of mangroves

2. Recognise that mangrove ecosystems transcend political, municipal and state boundaries

3. Put mangrove conservation and restoration at the top of national agendas, and ensure mangrove communities are represented at international conventions.

ENSURE AN ENGAGED AND EQUITABLE SOCIETY

People’s participation and empowerment

4. Ensure that communities are at the centre of mangrove conservation, with environmental and socio-economic goals given equal precedence, and community stewardship legally recognised wherever possible.

USE SOUND SCIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

Credible knowledge base for science-based arguments and capacity-building

5. Use up-to-date scientific research to guide and increase capacity for mangrove conservation and restoration.

6. Make a science-based case for the role of mangrove conservation and restoration in economic resilience of communities.

ACHIEVE A SOCIALLY SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY WITHIN ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITS

Sustainable use of natural resources

7. Optimise efficiency in the management of mangrove ecosystems by taking a local approach to conservation and restoration.

8. Ensure that communities and their future generations benefit from the ecosystem services provided by mangroves, by securing commitment of sustainable use to prevent ecosystem exploitation.

IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE CONSERVATION FINANCING

Innovative approaches and benefit-sharing

9. Engage communities in the conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems through the provision of financial support, including but not limited to the implementation of incentives and benefits in return for responsible management.

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