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By Irene Kingma, Wetlands International Today is World Wildlife Day, an ideal time to reflect on the interconnectedness of wetland ecosystems and the species they support. Among the most fascinating relationships in nature is the one between mangroves and sharks. You might think sharks are only present in the open ocean where they travel vast distances to hunt their prey. However, when sharks are young, they depend on sheltered coastal habitats to grow up.  Globally, 13% of all marine megafauna use vegetated coastal wetlands, and hundreds of sharks and closely associated ray species depend on vegetated coastal wetlands for vulnerable life stages.  One of the most important services that mangroves provide to sharks and rays is as a nursery. Shark species such as the Blacktip Reef Shark, Bull Shark, Lemon Shark, as well as enigmatic ray species such as guitarfishes and critically endangered sawfishes thrive in mangrove forests in their early stages of life. The shallow, protected waters of mangrove forests, found in tropical and subtropical regions, provide a safe haven for young sharks and other marine life, away from larger predators, offering a place where sharks can develop until they are strong enough to venture into the open ocean.    Bluespotted ribbontail ray in the mangroves, Mission Beach, Australia @ Matt Curnock / Ocean Image Bank Mangroves, as well as seagrass meadows, also serve as feeding grounds, with abundant fish, crustaceans, and other small marine life thriving in these nutrient-rich environments. For young sharks and rays, these abundant food sources are vital for their growth and survival. Without healthy mangrove habitats, many shark populations would struggle to maintain their numbers. This impacts the wider marine ecosystem as sharks play a crucial role in controlling the populations of other species and balancing the marine food web.  The small island of  Bimini in the Bahamas  is probably home to the most studied mangrove system with sharks. Every spring, pregnant lemon shark females arrive at Bimini to give birth to their pups near the mangroves and seagrass beds of the island. The lemon sharks are very attached to their specific place of birth. Research shows that when newborn lemon sharks are displaced from their natural habitat, their so-called  homing behavior  kicks in, and the small sharks find their way back to the exact mangrove area where they were born. This even applies when the sharks are displaced to nearby islands with similar suitable habitats. Even after they grow older and leave the mangroves to explore other places, when it is time to pup themselves, they always come back to the same spot.   Bluespotted ribbontail ray in the mangroves, Mission Beach, Australia @ Matt Curnock / Ocean Image Bank    Mangrove and shark conservation goes hand in hand   The problem is that we’re losing mangroves rapidly. Mangroves are threatened by coastal development, pollution, and climate change. On Bimini, a decline in survival of young lemon sharks has been correlated to developments on the island,  causing a 23% decline in first-year survival of the young sharks . In many coastal areas shark and ray populations are also declining due to unsustainable fishing pressure. As we celebrate Wildlife Day, it’s crucial to remember that protection of mangroves and sharks go hand in hand. By preserving mangrove ecosystems, we can both protect the mangroves and help ensure the survival of sharks and countless other species that depend on them.  Wetlands International works in targeted places where high rates of mangrove loss intersect with threatened megafauna. For Example, the Lamu Archipelago is Kenya has been classified by the IUCN as a vital nursery area for the Blue spotted Lagoon Ray ,  as well as important habitat for the critically endangered Halavi Guitarfish and several other  endangered shark and ray species . We are working in this region with local communities on restoring lost mangrove habitat in our Mangrove Capital Africa program.    As part of Wetlands International’s new global strategy, we will increase our work on swim ways, which are migration pathways for fish and marine animals in which coastal wetlands form a vital stepping stone. Many of our priority landscapes, such as the Lana archipelago mentioned above, provide an essential role in the life of migratory shark species and we will continue prioritize safeguarding them.    Check out below resources for more!  Video from Bimini Shark Lab , explaining mature female lemon sharks returning to Bimini to drop their pups in the mangroves that surround the island.    Important Shark and Ray areas by the IUCN shark specialist group: https://sharkrayareas.org/   This blog was also published on https://www.wetlands.org/blog/mangroves-and-sharks-a-vital-connection-for-world-wildlife-day/ . United Nations World Wildlife Day  (WWD) is celebrated every year on 3 March to celebrate wild animals and plants and recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.  Banner picture: Citrus Serenity @ Olivier Clement / Ocean Image Bank More information: Irene Kingma, Wetlands International Irene.Kingma @ wetlands.org

When you think of mangrove conservation, you might picture muddy roots, winding rivers, and field boots — not satellite dashboards. But for the Indonesia chapter of the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA), the work to protect these ecosystems starts with pixels and data layers. Together, the organizations involved contribute to scaling mangrove conservation and restoration in Indonesia, the opportunities for which are summarized in the Mobilizing the Mangrove Breakthrough in Indonesia report . Indonesia hosts the largest and most diverse mangrove ecosystem . Spanning 2.95 million hectares, they constitute more than 20% of the world’s remaining mangroves . While some areas are still relatively intact, mangroves in densely populated regions such as Java and Bali have been severely degraded. For a nation of islands, mangroves provide essential services, including coastal protection , carbon sequestration, livelihoods, and support for fisheries and other coastal and marine life, all of which directly contribute to social, economic, and environmental well-being. These ecosystems have historically supported key industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. However, more than half of Indonesia’s mangrove forests are already degraded. Conversion of mangrove areas for agriculture and aquaculture, forestry plantations, industrial activities, and urban expansion has come at a considerable ecological cost. Widespread mangrove deforestation and degradation have severely undermined these ecosystems’ ability to provide services, threatening not only their ecological integrity but also the substantial economic and social benefits they offer. 60% of Indonesia’s population lives in coastal areas and it is estimated that mangroves contribute USD 1.5billion annually to the Indonesian economy from fisheries alone, making it critical to conserve and restore these habitats. Fortunately, mangrove rehabilitation is a national priority, and organizations working cooperatively – like the Global Mangrove Alliance – are making significant progress. But effective mangrove protection requires accurate and up-to-date spatial data to prioritize actions and monitor progress. This is where Global Mangrove Watch (GMW) comes in, an online platform that provides the remote sensing data and tools for monitoring mangroves necessary for this. It gives universal access to near real-time information on where and what changes there are to mangroves across the world. Mangrove Watch: near real-time monitoring at everyone’s fingertips For Topik Hidayat , a Blue Carbon Analyst at The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Indonesia: Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, Global Mangrove Watch has transformed how his team identifies both threats and opportunities. “We analyze mangrove restoration potential and deforestation trends year by year,” he explains. “One of the platform’s tools used extensively for patrols by communities is the Mangrove Loss Alerts. It detects in real time areas that are experiencing significant mangrove losses, and we can verify these alerts on the ground.” Topik’s team has trained local communities in several sites to interpret and act on these alerts, including in Bengkalis (Riau Province), Ogan Komering Ilir (South Sumatra Province), Berau (East Kalimantan Province) and Bangka (Belitung Province). The same data powers national-scale work too. “We also use the blue carbon feature of Global Mangrove Watch for feasibility studies,” Topik adds. “A combination of the various layers in the tool helps us assess which sites have the potential for carbon projects throughout Indonesia.” Aji Nuralam , Technical Officer Rehabilitation at Wetlands International Indonesia , adds: “Right now, we use Global Mangrove Watch mainly for preliminary assessments — to identify where rehabilitation and protection should happen. Then we verify the data using local measurements and community input.” Several Global Mangrove Alliance Indonesia members remember what monitoring used to look like before Global Mangrove Watch. Muhammad Miftahul Bayyan , a Remote Sensing Specialist at TNC Indonesia, recalls the painstaking process: “We used to download satellite data manually from Google Earth Engine and other sources, year by year, and analyze it ourselves. It took a lot of time to draw comparisons to past data. But with Global Mangrove Watch, we can easily see deforestation rates from 1990 to today. It’s so much faster to use this with national data sets to analyze mangrove cover.” Arsen Makomi , a GIS and Data Analyst at Konservasi Indonesia (Conservation International), adds that Global Mangrove Watch made carbon analysis in particular more consistent: “Before, we had to compile mangrove biomass and soil carbon data from different sources. Now, we can use globally consistent datasets. It’s really helpful for monitoring and preliminary studies.” As much as Global Mangrove Watch has empowered their work, Indonesia’s mangrove practitioners have ideas for making it even more effective. Topik hopes for a mobile and offline version that communities can use in the field. “We often combine Global Mangrove Watch with Global Forest Watch, which can be used offline and on a mobile app,” he explains. “If Global Mangrove Watch had that too, it would be very powerful.” Additionally, he and Aji use the Mangrove Restoration Tracker Tool but wish for an improvement in terminology used and for MRTT to regularly track monitoring data. “Right now, the restoration potential layer is quite large-scale,” says Aji. “If we could refine it for site-level use, it would help us plan projects more precisely.” This is important because the Indonesian government is very keen to know which areas have restoration potential. Arsen adds one final wish: “It would be great if more of the data could be downloaded for deeper GIS analysis.” Even as the teams juggle field realities, their shared enthusiasm for Global Mangrove Watch is unmistakable. Together, they’ve learned to blend global datasets with local knowledge — something that’s becoming a hallmark of Indonesia’s approach to mangrove conservation and restoration. Global Mangrove Watch is a model for how data-driven tools can power real-world conservation.

The International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, adopted by UNESCO in 2015, is an important commemorative day, not only to recognize the incredible benefits that mangroves provide wildlife and humanity, but also to learn about the coastal trees and better understand their full value. The  Global Mangrove Alliance  is proud to be connecting knowledge and supporting tools required to integrate mangroves and their ecosystem services into mitigation, adaptation, disaster risk reduction and land-use strategies with community and national leaders. A variety of tools and resources are available in our  Knowledge Hub  and are added to regularly. This mangrove day, take a look through the  Global Mangrove Watch  evidence base, read about The State of the World’s Mangroves– globally  and in the  Western Indian Ocean Region –or look through a variety of  principles and manuals  for restoration and management success. The latest updates from our Alliance are below and you can stay connected with news on  Twitter ,  Facebook , and  LinkedIn  to learn about additional projects, international events, and more. If you are part of an organization that is interested in joining the Alliance and getting advanced knowledge and access to data tools, you can find all the information you need  here . Happy International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems! © Jason Houston / WWF-US

Mangroves are a climate solution. Our alliance works globally to advance mangrove conservation, management and restoration at all levels. Halt Loss. Restore Half. Double Protection. Act Now COORDINATED, GLOBAL IMPACT. The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) is a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to mangrove conservation and restoration at a scale that matters. Founded on the principles of collaboration and collective action, we unite diverse stakeholders from government, academia, non-profit organizations and industry to tackle challenges facing mangrove ecosystems. 20,000 Mangrove Experts 70,000 Ha of mangroves protected by members. 65,000 Ha of mangroves restored by members. 966,000 Ha of mangroves managed by members. UNITED FOR CONSERVATION We have reached a critical moment in the history of our planet. Recognizing both their importance and their resilience, there is increasing investment in the opportunities that mangroves present. The GMA represents a phase-shift in conservation opportunities for mangroves. With our global vision, we are providing a catalyst for accelerating change and building a host of opportunities for coastal peoples and biodiversity around the world. JOIN THE MOVEMENT WHY WHO Mangrove forests play an unparalleled role in coastal defense, biodiversity enhancement, food security and climate mitigation. Our community is protecting, conserving and restoring mangroves to secure a safer future for both people and nature. Our 100+ members and 14 national chapters represent technical experts, civil society organizations, governments, local communities, businesses, funding agencies and foundations. WHERE Our alliance works globally, nationally and locally at community, state and regional levels to advance mangrove conservation, management and restoration. HOW We scale impact by exchanging knowledge and experiences locally and globally, facilitating stakeholder connections across sectors and regions. We harness science to fill gaps between big-picture discussions and on-the-ground realities. KEY RESOURCES Further your understanding of mangrove conservation and restoration from global implementation projects to best practice guidelines. Join efforts to conserve and protect mangroves, collaborate on field work and partner on policy initiatives. Explore GMA Membership Subscribe to GMA Newsletter

There would be no Alliance without our members. Our members collaborate on field work, policy initiatives and campaigns. COORDINATING MEMBERS 100+ Members 40+ Countries 14 National Chapters 10 Regional Programs MEMBERS There would be no Alliance without our members. All members of the Global Mangrove Alliance enjoy opportunities to contribute to, and benefit from, the GMA's collaborative spirit. Our growing community fosters broad representation and inclusivity in the GMA decision-making processes. As a member, you join in the efforts to raise the profile of mangroves and the threats facing these tropical ecosystems. Our members collaborate on field work, policy initiatives and campaigns. The GMA community also convenes at international meetings, conferences and workshops. NATIONAL CHAPTERS GMA national chapters — 14 existing and more in development — reflect the grassroots momentum driving mangrove conservation at local levels. Our national chapters are supported by local partners. While linked to global efforts through the international GMA team, national chapters are tailored to local needs and incorporate local ecological knowledge, community input and equity considerations. LEARN MORE Join efforts to conserve and protect mangroves, collaborate on field work and partner on policy initiatives. Become a Member Stay up to Date

The regional reports bring together the latest local and scientific knowledge about restoration best-practices in one place. REGIONAL READINESS REPORTS MOBILIZING THE MANGROVE BREAKTHROUGH The Mangrove Breakthrough Regional Readiness Reports are strategic tools developed by global and regional experts to accelerate targeted mangrove action. These reports provide governments, donors, financial institutions and NGOs with clear region-specific pathways to scale up efforts in support of the Mangrove Breakthrough goals. Explore how countries in Asia, the Americas, and West Africa can halt mangrove loss and deliver tangible benefits for people and nature. REGIONAL REPORT AMERICAS COUNTRY SUMMARY REGIONAL REPORT ASIA COUNTRY SUMMARIES REGIONAL REPORT WEST AFRICA COUNTRY SUMMARIES Mexico Indonesia Philippines Brazil More Details on Regional Reports and Report Summaries REPORT KEY FEATURES Aligned with the Mangrove Breakthrough Financial Roadmap , the reports aim to help mobilize $4 billion to halt mangrove loss, restore 50% of recent loss and double protection. By highlighting actionable opportunities, local partnerships, and finance strategies, the reports guide investment into science-based, community-led mangrove initiatives, enabling large-scale impact across regions. What's inside the reports: Regional trends, threats, and investment opportunities for mangrove action Quantified benefits for people and ecosystems Country-specific summaries with enabling conditions and pathways to scale ASIA Susan Lusiana, Blue Carbon Senior Manager, Konservasi Indonesia “Asia’s vast and diverse mangroves are vital to the world’s coastal resilience. Our strength lies not in working alone, but in uniting the many efforts already in motion. It’s time to move beyond silos, to align our vision and actions. Asia must not only join the global mangrove movement — it must lead it.” AMERICAS Ixchel López, member of GMA Mexican Chapter and Oceans lead, WWF Mexico “The Mexico chapter of the GMA is working to ensure mangrove conservation and restoration become a national priority, integrating coastal communities, science and public policy. Our commitment is to promote national and regional strategies that recognize the ecological and social value of mangroves, strengthen legal protection and maintain participatory governance that delivers real benefits for both people and nature.” WEST AFRICA Ibrahima Thiam, Director Wetlands International West Africa “The Global Mangrove Alliance opened a new world frontier in the history of mangrove conservation and restoration. West Africa joined the movement with the creation of two GMA national chapters in Guinea Bissau and Senegal. Our partnerships are actively formulating their contribution to the GMA goals and the West Africa regional report is a critical milestone in this ambitious journey" ASIA REGION Regional Readiness Report This report outlines key opportunities, challenges and strategic priorities for mangrove conservation and restoration Across Asia, mapping pathways to accelerate progress towards Mangrove Breakthrough goals. English Country Summaries These report summaries for the Asia Regional Readiness Report are of high-potential countries with enabling conditions for accelerated mangrove action. The India summary is coming soon. Indonesia Philippines India Country Summaries COUNTRY PROPOSITIONS Local partners of the Global Mangrove Alliance, together with the Mangrove Breakthrough hub and others, are developing national program propositions that aim to mobilize a blend of public and private sector funding to drive large-scale action for mangroves in priority countries. Through a mix of interventions focused on conservation, restoration and “mangrove positive” economic development they enhance livelihoods for local and indigenous communities. Propositions have been developed for Mexico, Guinea-Bissau and Indonesia, with additional ones for Kenya, the Philippines and India underway. “The Regional Readiness Reports are blueprints to help donors, financial institutions, governments and NGOs align their resources and commitments—advancing the Mangrove Breakthrough into its next phase, driving system-level change across target regions, and delivering tangible benefits for frontline coastal communities and ecosystems.” Ignace Beguin, Director of the Mangrove Breakthrough "These reports answer the critical question of where and how we can most effectively accelerate mangrove action. “They point funders and decision-makers to opportunities and to places and partners ready to move.” Irene Kingma, Wetlands International KEY PARTNERS Supported by: The Mobilizing the Mangrove Breakthrough (MMB) is a project initiated by the Global Mangrove Alliance, supported by the Bezos Earth Fund. This initiative provides seed funding to develop propositions for programs at scale in an initial set of priority countries. This GMA-project is coordinated by Wetlands International in close collaboration with the Mangrove Breakthrough Secretariat.  The Regional Readiness Reports were led by Conservation International, working alongside national GMA chapters and a wide range of stakeholders.