According to the latest survey by an international conservation organization, half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of destruction due to human activities, rising sea levels, and extreme weather conditions.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) warns that approximately 1/4 of the total area of mangroves worldwide could be completely submerged within the next 50 years, with ecosystems in India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives facing severe consequences.
Panorama of mangroves in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, October 10, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Amr Alfiky)
Marcos Valderrabano, the operator of IUCN’s Red List, evaluated the threats to ecosystems and stated: “This global assessment shows that 50% of mangroves worldwide are at risk of devastation, and this figure is much higher than what we had predicted.”
Mangroves cover about 15% of the world’s coastline, playing a crucial role in both the economy and ecology by filtering water and providing breeding grounds for fish and other marine organisms.
In addition to storing approximately 11 billion tons of carbon, mangroves serve as a vital buffer protecting coastal communities from the threats of storm surges and flooding.
Singapore, a country that has lost nearly all of its coastal mangrove areas due to reclamation activities, is currently planning a restoration program to help protect its low-lying coastlines from rising sea levels.
IUCN has gathered over 250 experts to conduct a survey, finding that climate change has affected the spatial distribution of mangroves. The report indicates that harmful changes to ecosystems are also increasing due to the extensive use of freshwater for irrigation purposes.
Mr. Valderrabano emphasized the need for measures to help mangroves adapt better to climate change and enhance their resilience.
“This will be very important if we want to prevent some mangrove ecosystems from facing the risk of completely disappearing,” the expert stated.
