Introduction to the 2021 Report

Mangrove forests are critical ecosystems, both for biodiversity and for humanity. Vast areas have been lost, but things are changing. As we begin to realize their full value—as carbon stores, fish factories, coastal defenses and more—ever-greater efforts are being made to protect what remains, and to start programs of restoration. The inaugural edition of The State of the World’s Mangroves compiled what we know about mangroves and what’s being done to support these magnificent habitats.

Find out more below.

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The complete report is also available in the following languages:

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Read the Executive Summary

100 authors from around the world have come together in a remarkable synthesis, sharing cutting edge science and compelling stories. The narrative they tell, for the first time, is that we now have the knowledge to turn things around for these critical ecosystems. We know the problems, but we also know the solutions. The challenge is turning these solutions into actions, by swaying leaders at all levels of society to protect the mangroves still standing and restore what has been lost.

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“Given the critical importance of mangroves for the maintenance of both a healthy planet and a healthy ocean, I encourage governments, corporations, cities and people around the world to support the objectives and efforts of the Global Mangrove Alliance. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to include the protection and restoration of mangrove forests in our action plans for a blue-green recovery.“

Ambassador Peter Thomson
UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean

“The State of the World’s Mangroves report lays a clear message for world leaders convening on climate and biodiversity. Mangroves are a great asset but if we fail to properly value and protect them, we’ll lose more than any financial investment that’s been made in mangroves to date. This is our last best chance to create positive, lasting change“

Mark Spalding
Lead Marine Scientist for The Nature Conservancy

“Conserving and restoring mangroves at scale depends on collaboration, and innovative partnerships like this one are critical to meeting the global challenge. By directly linking the needs and the experiences of local and indigenous peoples with cutting-edge science, together we can help drive the most forward-thinking national and international policies.“

Karen Douthwaite
Lead Specialist, Oceans for WWF

“This publication has raised the voices of coastal communities, who often have the most to lose from mangrove loss but also have the most to contribute towards long term mangrove management and restoration. By working with communities, we can safeguard and restore the world’s mangroves and improved the livelihoods of coastal people“

Leah Glass
Technical Advisor for Mangroves and Blue Carbon for Blue Ventures