The GMA had an active presence at COP30 this year and oceans were a key priority on the agenda. What were the outcomes? We are so glad you asked. The ocean community made significant progress to place the ocean as a central pillar of ambition and implementation at COP30, with strong political signals, new commitments and a coordinated push from governments and Non-State Actors (NSA) to scale ocean-based climate solutions. From enhanced NDCs to the Action Agenda and thematic programming, this COP marked a significant step forward in positioning the ocean as indispensable to achieving the Paris Agreement’s goals.    Key Outcomes     Global Mutirão:  Ocean was explicitly recognized in the Global Mutirão text as a critical carbon sink and contributor to global climate stability.   Enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):  Through the Blue NDC Challenge, countries were encouraged to integrate more ocean-based climate measures into their NDCs. At COP30, six new countries (Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Indonesia, Portugal, and Singapore) joined the initiative.   Global Goal on Adaptation:  The text encourages countries to disaggregate indicators by ecosystem types, explicitly referencing the ocean and coasts, which opens the door to more consistent monitoring of ocean resilience.   Baku-to-Belém Roadmap:  The Roadmap highlights marine protected areas, blue carbon ecosystems, coastal community resilience and more transparent ocean governance. The Standing Committee on Finance announced that its 2026 Forum will focus on water systems and the ocean, providing an opportunity to add clarity to the current state of climate finance for ocean solutions and issue concrete recommendations.  COP30 Action Agenda:  Built around six thematic pillars, including one focused on nature and coastal/marine ecosystems, the Action Agenda elevated the ocean through coordinated showcases, announcements and multi-sector collaboration. The ocean community delivered the Plan to Accelerate Ocean-based Climate Solutions: A Blue Package and participated in two Showcase Events and a high-visibility Implementation Workshop.    Ocean, Forests & Biodiversity Thematic Days: Elevating Ocean Action     Week 2 of COP30 featured two full thematic days dedicated to oceans, forests and biodiversity, representing one of the strongest ocean profiles in a COP to date. These sessions highlighted implementation, equity, and system-wide collaboration. Key events included:    Global Mutirão for the Ocean: Accelerating the Ocean Breakthroughs featuring ocean-centered solutions around the Ocean Breakthroughs adding the dimensions of planning and management, indigenous people and local communities and blue entrepreneurship.   Tides of Transformation: Advancing Equitable Coastal Climate Solutions , exploring how inclusive and equitable coastal solutions, from mangrove to saltmarsh restoration, are transforming ambition into action, driving climate resilience, and advancing gender equality across ocean-climate governance.  Coastal Resilience in Action: Nature-based Solutions for National Adaptation , bringing together governments, funders and practitioners to showcase cutting edge approaches to coastal resilience, like the novel Coastal Resilience Methodology developed by The Nature Conservancy, as catalyst for scaling investment and meeting adaptation targets. Marine Protected Areas and Blue Economy: Pillars of Climate Action in Latin America and the Caribbean , highlighting how MPAs and the Blue Economy can become pillars of a new ocean climate governance for Latin America and the Caribbean.     Mission to Marsh: Integrating Saltmarshes into Coastal Resilience and Climate Action, exploring untapped potential of saltmarshes and the role of the Saltmarsh Breakthrough in accelerating restoration and conservation efforts for the benefit of the people, nature, and resilience. Overall, COP30 demonstrated unprecedented alignment around ocean-based climate solutions, from enhanced NDCs and adaptation metrics to integrated governance and mobilizing finance. The momentum generated in Belém sets a strong foundation for COP31 and beyond, signaling that the ocean is central to global climate action.  Contribution by Luz Gil, The Nature Conservancy

Collaborative Mangrove Conservation Actions Gain Momentum in Kenya Kenya Forest Service  has just approved a new 10-Year mangrove management Plan for Lamu County and Kenya’s Kiunga Marine National Reserve, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve! This is a key step for sustainable management of 64,500 ha of mangroves in the region. These wins reflect top-down and bottom-up approaches to drive mangrove conservation and restoration goals, contributing to climate mitigation and ocean health. Harvesting operations will be restricted to the designated utilization zone (10,766 ha) as prescribed in the national mangrove ecosystem management plan (2017-2027), excluding the proposed blue carbon project areas, conservation, protection, and development zones. The National Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration Guidelines have also been approved, streamlining mangrove restoration activities in Kenya. These wins strengthen the management of the 27,000 Ha Marine Protected Area (MPA) which includes about 300 Ha of mangrove forest co-managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Kenya Forest Service. The MPA is a UNESCO Man and Biosphere (MAB) Reserve, an Important Bird Area and biodiversity hotspot. The inclusive, collaborative approach used in developing the Plan is being replicated for other MPAs. This reflects top-down and bottom-up approaches to drive mangrove conservation and restoration goals, contributing to climate mitigation and Ocean health. They are complimented by other wins this year, including: Signing the GMA National Kenya Chapter MoU. Inclusion of Blue Carbon Ecosystems into Kenya’s NDCs. Development of the Kenya Mangrove Ecosystem Management Plan. The establishment of six Mangrove Community Forest Association in Lamu and Tana River Counties. Check out the guidelines below to explore the best practice approaches streamlining mangrove restoration activities in Kenya. 🌊   Blue Carbon Solutions for Climate Action 🍃   National Mangrove Management in Kenya 🌏   Mangrove Management in Lamu County Acknowledgements to partners including, including TNC, GMA-Kenya Chapter, KFS, CFAs, KMFRI, KEFRI, UNEP, County Governments of Tana River and Lamu, NRT and others.

11 November 2025, Belém  - The Mangrove Breakthrough hosted its flagship Ministerial Event at COP30, highlighting leaders across governments, businesses, and civil society who are placing mangroves at the heart of their actions to build resilient communities and economies. The event also marked a significant step forward for the Breakthrough’s progress in deploying the instruments necessary to scale up mangrove-positive investments. Remarkable advancements toward the mangrove Breakthrough 2030 targets are underway. The Mangrove Breakthrough has tracked more than 40 large operations (over $ 1 million) that have mobilized over $750 million in mangrove-positive investments since 2020. And the landscape is expanding, our partners at Capital for Climate  have tracked over USD 840 million in nature-positive investments through 56 projects that include mangrove ecosystems. Together, the 44 governments that have endorsed the Mangrove Breakthrough represent approximately 40% of the world’s total mangrove coverage   — a remarkable testament to growing global leadership and collaboration.  Several of these countries — including Jamaica, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Australia, Costa Rica, Panama, and Pakistan — have set ambitious targets in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. For example, Jamaica’s NDC 3.0 aims to protect about two-thirds of the island’s mangrove forests by 2033 and restore 7,000 hectares by 2027.  “These bold commitments reflect years of dedicated engagement with governments around the world, and the tireless efforts of the Mangrove Breakthrough’s NDC Task Force,” s aid Carlos Eduardo Correa Escaf, Global Ambassador for the Breakthrough and former Minister of Environment of Colombia. “With COP30 marking the third anniversary of the Mangrove Breakthrough, now is the time to turn ambition into action — and tangible results are already emerging. These strengthened NDCs mark a true turning point for the initiative.” Papua New Guinea, the 40th government to endorse the Mangrove Breakthrough and co-host of today’s event, launched its Blue Carbon Policy Roadmap — a guiding framework to strengthen the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems.   “The launch of Papua New Guinea’s Blue Carbon Policy Roadmap reaffirms our commitment to protecting the blue carbon ecosystems that sustain our people and economy. This roadmap positions Papua New Guinea as a regional leader in harnessing nature for climate and community resilience,” said Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change Hon. Simo Kilepa. Introducing the Mangrove Catalytic Facility To bridge critical financing gaps and enable systemic transformation, the Mangrove Breakthrough is building a comprehensive financial architecture designed to unlock investments for mangrove-positive actions and businesses. This includes the Mangrove Catalytic Facility (MCF), which serves as the Breakthrough’s engine for investment readiness. The MCF supports actors across the value chain in developing investable solutions for mangrove ecosystems, from small and medium enterprises to financial institutions and national governments. The MCF is set to radically transform how mangroves are financed by mobilizing the expertise and capital of financial institutions and corporations. Ultimately, the objective is for mangrove value to be integrated into investment decisions for mangrove-adjacent businesses (infrastructure, ports, coastal agriculture, aquaculture, etc.). “The Mangrove Catalytic Facility has the potential to be a turning point in how mangroves are valued and financed,” said Ignace Beguin Billecocq, Executive Director of the Mangrove Breakthrough. “By strengthening the capacity of financial institutions and policymakers, and developing a global mangrove monitoring platform, the Mangrove Breakthrough is paving the way for mangroves to become indispensable to building resilient communities and economies.” With a USD 80 million fundraising target, the Facility is designed to multiply the impact of every dollar invested in mangroves, serving as a catalytic structure for achieving the overarching goal of mobilizing USD 4 billion for mangrove ecosystems. Building a Global Pipeline The Mangrove Breakthrough is working with global partners on various fields of work, from technology to finance, and on-the-ground work. The Breakthrough is partnering with Restor  to launch the most comprehensive mapping and monitoring platform that centralizes geospatial data, project performance, and investment needs, helping connect verified projects with philanthropic, public, and private sources of capital. The use of AI-powered models will accelerate implementation by supporting, at speed and scale, local financial institutions, governments, and project developers to make science-based decisions in coastal areas, allowing us to efficiently track progress against the 2030 Mangrove Breakthrough target. The Breakthrough has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with investment‐management firm Regia Capital  to advance investment in nature-based solutions in Brazil. This agreement paves the way for collaboration on impact funds focusing on mangroves as a key nature-based solution for resilient coastal communities. Furthermore, as part of the Mangrove Breakthrough, the Global Mangrove Alliance has released three Regional Readiness Reports —for Asia, the Americas, and West Africa—identifying the most effective pathways to accelerate mangrove action and guide alignment among funders, governments, and NGOs. Targeted propositions for Mexico, Guinea-Bissau, and Indonesia outline opportunities to mobilize concessional capital. “The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) is proving that collaboration works,” said Emily Landis, The Nature Conservancy’s Global Climate Adaptation & Resilience Director and Member of the GMA Steering Committee. “By bringing together governments, scientists, practitioners and local leaders we’re turning shared goals into coordinated action, accelerating mangrove conservation and restoration from West Africa to Southeast Asia and the Americas.” Initiatives like those in Brazil are already demonstrating tangible progress toward protecting and restoring 15 million hectares of mangroves worldwide. On Marajó Island, in the state of Pará, Brazil, the community associations ACCS  and ASSUREMAS  are leading the development of a nature-positive, community-managed crab processing and distribution cooperative within the Marine Extractive Reserve (RESEX) — a federally protected area spanning over 7,400 hectares of mangroves. As a member of the Global Mangrove Alliance, Rare   is supporting these local organizations in strengthening governance, market access, and sustainable management practices.  Casa do Ucides , named after the mangrove crab ( Ucides cordatus ), is building a sustainable value chain for one of the Amazon Coast’s most emblematic species. With support from Rare and in collaboration with local partners, the initiative has already mobilized over 100 crab extractivists for training. Participation in this cooperative is contingent on sustainable harvesting practices, embedding mangrove conservation directly within the local economy. About the Mangrove Breakthrough The Mangrove Breakthrough is pioneering how we, as a global network, protect nature to build resilient communities. It is a global movement to value, finance, and safeguard mangroves. The ambition is to mobilize USD 4 billion to protect and restore 15 million hectares of mangroves by 2030, fostering radical collaboration, advancing science-based financial and regulatory decisions, and investing in local leadership. The Breakthrough’s Secretariat (“the Hub”) drives this mission by sustaining multistakeholder partnerships and building the infrastructure for lasting impact. The Hub is legally hosted at the Chilean NGO Ambition Loop.

The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) is hosting two events at COP30 in Belém! Mangrove Ministerial Official UNFCCC Side Event This high-level ministerial event will be the main global platform to showcase ambitious, tangible mangrove action, bringing together governments, civil society and the private sector. 📅 Date: Tuesday, November 11 📍 COP30, Blue Zone, Room 4 🕐 Time: 13:15 – 14:45 Register here. Partner organizations include: The Nature Conservancy , The Pew Charitable Trusts , Rare , Government of Papua New Guinea and the Climate High-Level Champions . Coastal Resilience in Action: Nature-Based Solutions for National Adaptation This COP30 session will bring together governments, funders, and practitioners to spotlight innovative approaches that strengthen coastal resilience, support national adaptation goals, and scale investment in resilient ecosystems.   🗓 Date: Tuesday, November 18 📍 Location: Nature Hub, Blue Zone 🕐 Time: 16:00 - 17:00 Register here. Partner organizations include: The Nature Conservancy , The Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance  and Vanuatu.

We know thriving mangroves are key to combating climate change and supporting thriving communities and biodiversity. We also know how challenging the lack of information around effective mangrove restoration efforts and best practices can be. That’s why the Global Mangrove Alliance is very pleased to announce the launch of the Mangrove Restoration Tracker Tool (MRTT) and accompanying User Guide . The tool invites mangrove practitioners to record and track their restoration projects across its lifetime while ensuring best practice towards sustainable long-living mangroves globally. Built into Global Mangrove Watch platform – the pre-imminent and most widely-recognized mangrove mapping tool – the one-of-a-kind MRTT will 1) significantly benefit mangrove restoration results by identifying and tracking success from past, present, and future mangrove restoration activities and 2) enable learning and information exchange between practitioners. The second edition of the State of the World’s Mangroves report shows that 8,183km2 of mangroves are considered restorable globally. Restoring half of these mangroves would build habitat that generates over 25 billion commercially important fish and shellfish every year and continue to support 4.1 million small-scale fishers and countless communities that rely on mangroves for their livelihoods. Restoration could safeguard carbon in soil and aboveground biomass equivalent to 1.27gigatons of CO2 as well as mitigate damages from storms and reduce flood risk to some 15 million people every year. The need for urgent and effective mangrove restoration is evident, as is the need to monitor mangrove restoration projects to ensure their success. Knowing this, the MRTT was designed to underline the success of inclusive and ecological mangrove restoration approaches over mass tree planting; improving mangroves’ rates of survival and function. All different restoration approaches and projects covering single or multiple outcomes across the full array of ecological and socio-economic benefits of mangroves can be added to MRTT. The tool has a flexible structure designed to capture field and desk-based data on mangrove restoration projects in a standardized format and multiple and ongoing entries are possible within the Tool. For each project, there are three critical components integrated to report across the project lifetime: Pre-restoration site baseline, Restoration interventions, Post-restoration monitoring. Each section consists of several questions with multiple choice responses, with the intention that data providers can rapidly and comprehensively describe their project. This means that the conservation community will be able to quantify how specific conservation actions lead to outcomes for biodiversity, mangrove resilience, management effectiveness, communities, and governance. In turn, this will help improve mangrove conservation implementation and build a community to support more effective mangrove restoration projects. Join us in building a shared and effective mangrove conservation and restoration community. The Mangrove Restoration Tracker Tool is a Global Mangrove Alliance product developed by the University of Cambridge, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, Wetlands International, and WWF in collaboration with 80 conservation practitioners and scientists from around the world. Learn how to use the MRTT:

Nine ways to effectively protect and conserve mangrove ecosystems C limate change, COVID-19, food insecurity… as ever-growing challenges pile up in front of us, the need for effective, nature-based solutions to repair our broken relationship with nature becomes more pressing. In this vital year for our planet, all eyes are on policy makers to deliver real change. To shine the light on possible solutions, global mangrove experts launched the Mangrove Principles at this year´s IUCN World Conservation Congress – a document presenting a comprehensive and strategic approach to effective mangrove conservation. Why mangroves? Because protecting them provides answers to many societal challenges, as well as to the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. They are our roots of hope! “Mangrove forests sequester more than 4 times the carbon that their terrestrial cousins, trees, sequester. Yet people regard mangroves as a nuisance or something to be used for firewood. We have to turn that around.” (Ambassador Peter Thomson, United Nations Special Envoy for the Ocean) Scientists, policy experts, business leaders and professionals from around the globe came together at the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Marseille to set the global conservation agenda for the next four years. The launch event of the Mangrove Principles took place on the 7th of September with high-level speakers providing compelling insights into the importance of mangrove conservation, particularly in the Western Indian Ocean. The entire session can be accessed here . “We believe that for the success of this mangrove conservation and restoration programme, coordination and inclusive activities are critical. In this context, harmonised mangrove principles are key to guide the achievements of global goals of conservation and maintain mangrove ecosystems at the local, national or international levels”  (Ms. Ivete Maibaze, Minister of Land and Environment, Government of Mozambique) The Guiding Principles on Sustainable Mangrove Ecosystem Management are designed to provide guidance for national policy decision-makers responsible for conservation, restoration, protection and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystems. They have been endorsed by the following organisations: •   Save Our Mangroves Now! •   The Global Mangrove Alliance •   The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) •   The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) •   WWF •   Wetlands International

The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) had a strong presence at New York Climate Week, showcasing the critical role of mangroves in climate action and building momentum ahead of COP30 in Belém. Flagship Event: Turning Collaboration into Impact – The Mangrove Breakthrough Implementation Agenda  The GMA, alongside the Mangrove Breakthrough, convened a flagship session that featured Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico, Alicia Bárcena and a diverse group of global leaders. This was a dynamic multi-stakeholder panel that brought together government leaders, financial institutions, private sector and local communities to share commitments and real-world examples of impact. This event showcased progress and momentum behind the Mangrove Breakthrough, building political, financial and technical action toward the COP30 milestone. It also marked the launch of the Regional Readiness Reports, offering clear regional pathways for scaling mangrove action and unlocking finance. Speakers included Alicia Bárcena (Government of Mexico), Ignace Beguin (Mangrove Breakthrough), Irene Kingma (Wetlands International), Pilar Jacobo (WWF Mexico), Karen Sack (ORRAA), Tony Lent (C4C), Kate Schweigart (Rare), Michael Wear (Tidal Moon) and Jen Morris (TNC).   High-Level Roundtable – From New York to Belém: Enhancing Mangrove & Coral Reef Action through Climate Policy  The GMA also participated in a high-level roundtable with governments, agencies, funds and the COP30 Presidency team to highlight the ecological and functional connections between mangroves and coral reefs. Discussions emphasized the role of mangroves and corals in climate resilience. Coral reefs buffer waves and sustain biodiversity offshore, while mangroves stabilize coasts, store carbon and support fisheries. They also dove into the urgency of integrating these ecosystems into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), with countries updating their commitments at COP30 in Brazil. A critical conversation surrounded mobilizing finance and proposing concrete actions to protect and conserve these ecosystems as pillars of food security, livelihoods and coastal protection.  Speakers included Ligia Noronha (UNEP), Marinez Scherer (COP30 Brazil Special Envoy for Oceans), Roger-Mark De Souza (Pew), representatives from the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, ICRI, the High-Level Champions, and the GMA.  Philanthropy Roundtable The round table session hosted by the GMA and the Mangrove Breakthrough Hub on Philanthropy’s Role in Mobilizing the Mangrove Breakthrough was a strong success, drawing representatives from 15 donor organizations. Ignace Beguin and Pieter van Eijk presented an overview of the Breakthrough plans, with a deep dive into the large-scale propositions for transformative action developed by the GMA Chapters in Mexico, Guinea-Bissau and Indonesia. This was followed a dynamic discussion on aligning different funding and finance streams to achieve impact at scale. The thoughtful questions raised will help refine our messaging and open doors to further conversations.

Anelise Zimmer, Pew Charitable Trusts This week mangrove stakeholders from around the world convened at New York Climate Week to drive policy and finance to achieve the ambitious goals of the  Mangrove Breakthrough , a global initiative that seeks to protect and restore 15 million hectares of mangroves worldwide by 2030. As coastal wetlands, mangroves provide countless benefits to society and nature. They enhance coastal resilience in the face of flooding and storms, they sequester and store more “blue” carbon than any other ecosystem (per unit area), and they provide critical habitat for biodiversity, including economically important fish species. Mangroves are one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Deforestation, development, and pollution all threaten mangrove ecosystems, as do climate change impacts, including sea level rise and the increased frequency of intense storms. In fact, more than half of all mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse, according to a  recent global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and more than 250 experts . This means more than 50% of mangrove ecosystems assessed are classified as either Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered by the  IUCN Red List of Ecosystems , a globally recognized standard for the health of nature. Despite that grim news, governments and other stakeholders can reverse the trend of mangrove loss. The  Mangrove Breakthrough  lays out science-based targets and a financial roadmap to secure the future of 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030 by: •    Halting mangrove losses, •    Restoring half of recently lost mangroves, •    Doubling the protection of mangroves globally, and •    Ensuring sustainable long-term financing for all existing mangroves by securing an investmentof $4 billion by 2030 to conserve and revitalize these coastal ecosystems. To date, 29 governments and more than 50 non-state actors have endorsed the Mangrove Breakthrough. Those endorsements must now lead to action. The  “Breaking Silos: Uniting Policy, Finance, and Action for Mangroves”  event on September 23rd hosted by  The Nature Conservancy  at New York Climate Week sought to bridge the gap between policy, finance, and on-the-ground action to catalyze transformative change in mangrove conservation and restoration. Key takeaways from the event: The importance of national policy action and local community buy-in:  Dr.  Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo , Executive Director and CEO of Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency highlighted the importance of communicating national ambition to conserve mangroves within Liberia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement to catalyze policy action and attract investment. Dr. Yarkpawalo also emphasized the importance of engaging local communities on mangrove action with the reminder that “if Liberians protect mangroves, then mangroves will protect Liberians.” Innovative finance solutions:  Jenny McInnes , Global Head of Policy and Partnerships at  HSBC , noted the importance of innovative finance solutions, like blue bonds, that address the root causes of mangrove degradation, such as polluted wastewater runoff, to ensure lasting conservation outcomes. Thoughtful grantmaking:   Emily Averna , Program Officer for Land Restoration at  Bezos Earth Fund , emphasized the importance of funders designing grant programs that support ecologically appropriate and locally led mangrove projects at various scales. To support the success of the Mangrove Breakthrough,  Pew Charitable Trusts , in collaboration with partners from the  Global Mangrove Alliance  and the UNFCCC  High-Level Climate Champions , leads the  Mangrove Breakthrough NDC Task Force . This initiative assists Mangrove Breakthrough governments in transforming their endorsements into ambitious mangrove conservation targets in their revised NDCs, which are due to the UNFCCC in 2025. By providing technical policy and data guidance, the NDC Task Force helps governments enhance their mangrove-climate action through clear, ambitious, and science-based NDC targets. Ambition Loop's Nigel Topping moderated a panel featuring representatives from Liberia, the United Arab Emirates, HSBC, Bezos Earth Fund, and Rare at New York Climate Week. (Photo credit: Ambition Loop

WWF-India has compiled a sweeping study of the rich, yet highly threatened, biodiversity in the world's largest mangrove ecosystem -- the Indian Sundarbans. This novel report is a tool to help balance the human and ecological needs of this spectacular ecosystem. The Sundarbans forest is the planet’s largest mangrove forest ecosystem. It straddles the border between India and Bangladesh, spreading over 10,000 square kilometers along the Bay of Bengal. Threatened and endangered wildlife – like the Bengal tiger, Irrawady river dolphin, finless porpoise, and estuarine crocodile – live here. It is also a nursery for 90% of the aquatic species on the East coast of India and serves as a bio-shield for the fierce waves and winds of coastal storms. And now we have a better understanding of biodiversity in the region. A  new report from WWF-India, with support from the World Bank, reveals how important the ecosystem is for South Asia’s fantastic biodiversity. The report’s comprehensive baseline of biodiversity in the Indian Sundarbans is the first of its kind and provides a critical evaluation of the current state of biodiversity in the area. Like the mighty rivers that meet in the Sundarbans, the area is also a confluence of many pressing environmental threats: population growth, habitat destruction, and climate change. Rising sea levels and expanding human communities press in on the Sundarbans from all sides, threatening the future of the forest’s biodiversity and ecological services. Amidst these pressures, however, there are major opportunities for sustainable development that incorporate healthy mangrove and delta ecosystems. State of the Art Report on Biodiversity in Indian Sundarbans combines its detailed biological assessment with a set of policy recommendations and can serve as a tool for decision-makers in the governments of India, West Bengal, and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to identify and prioritize options for addressing these threats and securing the future of the Sundarbans. For more information, please contact Vinod Malayilethu . This post originally appeared on the WWF-India website.

A unique partner-led initiative to promote investment in coastal ecosystem conservation for sustainable development. Mangroves for the Future (MFF) provides a platform for collaboration among the many different agencies, sectors and countries which are addressing challenges to coastal ecosystem and livelihood issues with the goal to promote an integrated ocean-wide approach to coastal management and to build the resilience of ecosystem-dependent coastal communities. This work is focused on Asia in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. MFF addresses priorities for long-term sustainable coastal ecosystem management which include, among others: climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction, promotion of ecosystem health, development of sustainable livelihoods, and active engagement of the private sector in developing sustainable business practices. The emphasis is on generating knowledge, empowering local communities and advocating for policy solutions that will support best practice in integrated coastal management. Harvesting oysters in low tide. Trat Province, Bangladesh. © Siriporn Sriaram M angroves are the flagship of the initiative, but MFF is inclusive of all types of coastal ecosystem, such as coral reefs, estuaries, lagoons, sandy beaches, seagrasses and wetlands. If you would like more information, please click here .

The Global Mangrove Watch platform provides near-real‑time monthly alerts detecting mangrove loss across the globe—including Africa and expanding into Asia-Pacific and the Americas. With ~92% accuracy and monthly updates, these alerts deliver timely, actionable data to conservation teams, local authorities, and communities . The Mangrove Disturbance Alerts pinpoints areas that are experiencing mangrove loss. Using satellite data and machine learning, GMW spots disturbances, whether from illegal logging, storm damage, erosion, or agricultural conversion, within days. They can be used by local authorities and local conservation agencies to monitor mangroves and to help them rapidly plan interventions in impacted areas. The alerts are shown as a cluster of points, with colours varying against a heat map indicating the number of alerts in an area. The mangrove loss alert system has an estimated overall accuracy of 92 percent , which makes the accuracy of the alerts higher compared to other alerts efforts. The alerts are updated monthly, from January 2020 to present, and past alerts can be reviewed through the platform. 50% of the world’s mangroves are currently monitored by the loss alerts and it will soon become available for other regions. In Kenya and Tanzania this is already making a difference. In the video below, conservation staff explain how an Global Mangrove Watch alert helps them detect mangrove losses in a specific location. They were able to investigate the site promptly — using the data as a trigger for ground verification and early response. “Before, our patrols were guided by guesswork. Now, with Global Mangrove Watch alerts, we act with precision. Covering vast delta landscapes is easier, smarter, and more cost-effective than ever” John Gwau, Tanzania Forest Service Officer Explore the platform Go to  Global Mangrove Watch  and discover mangrove alerts in your country. This video was developed through the Save our Mangroves Now project.

There is incredible potential for many of the world's mangrove areas to be restored to functioning habitat. But where are they? How do we decide where to focus our efforts, and what can be done to maximize our chances of success? With the help of a new interactive map tool, the potential for restoring more than 800,000 hectares of mangroves just may be possible. With high levels of deforestation and degradation, restoration is increasingly seen as a critical component of both mangrove conservation and wise coastal management – a genuine ‘win-win’ opportunity. A new Mangrove Restoration Map shows that restoration of deforested mangroves worldwide could contribute to the storage of an extra 69 million tons of carbon in above-ground biomass and would also help to avoid further emissions of some 296 million tons of soil carbon. The map provides additional guidance as to where restoration is likely to be successful. In this work, mangrove experts from the University of Cambridge, The Nature Conservancy, and IUCN merged data from Global Mangrove Watch to develop a map of the maximum extent of mangroves over time (1996-2016), identified areas of losses, gains, and degradation, and developed a model to predict the factors most likely to facilitate restoration.   This mapping tool offers decision-makers the ability to know where restoration should be attempted by identifying locations where mangroves once thrived, and where conditions remain suitable for restoration. The tool also calculates what ecosystem services might be gained from their restoration.   This tool provides information at broad scales. It helps to guide decision-makers towards options for restoration. Once decided, practical restoration planning always requires local knowledge of ecological, social and economic circumstances in order to ensure successful, long-term outcomes. Learn more about how to use the tool with this interactive story map . Community mangrove restoration in Madagascar (Source: WWF-Madagascar)