- The annual report, The State of the World’s Mangroves 2022, recently published by the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA), presents the latest information on the status of mangrove forests.
- The report outlines ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by these coastal ecosystems and the communities relying on them, aiming to reverse the concerning trends observed.
Key Highlights from the Report:
- Carbon Lockaway Impact: Preventing a mere 1% of mangrove loss translates to the sequestration of 200 million tons of carbon. The restoration of losses incurred since 1996 has the potential to safeguard carbon in soil and aboveground biomass, amounting to 1.27 gigatons of CO2. This is equivalent to storing over 520 million barrels of oil or offsetting the annual emissions of 49 million cars in the USA.
- Restoration Goals: The GMA’s ambitious target of “restoring half” of the 8,183 km2 of restorable mangrove area by 2030, especially in Southeast Asia, could lead to the addition of 25 billion commercial marine fish and shellfish. This endeavor has the potential to benefit 1 million small-scale fishers and numerous communities reliant on mangroves for their livelihoods.
- Economic and Livelihood Impact: Mangroves play a pivotal role in averting over $65 billion in property damages caused by storms and contribute to reducing flood risk for approximately 15 million people annually.
- Carbon Capture Efficiency: Mangroves emerge as the most efficient carbon capture and storage systems globally. Currently, they store carbon equivalent to over 21 billion tons of CO2.
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION
- Mangrove Distribution Overview:
- Mangroves, exhibiting the highest species diversity in Southeast Asia, are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in tidal areas regularly inundated with saltwater.
- Global Coverage:
- Worldwide, mangrove forests span approximately 15.2 million hectares (152,000 sq km) along tropical coasts, extending across Africa, Australia, Asia, and America.
- Country Distribution:
- Mangroves are distributed across 100 countries and territories, with a significant concentration in 15 countries. Remarkably, less than seven percent of these mangroves enjoy protected status.
- Regional Shares:
- Asia dominates the global share with 42%, succeeded by Africa (21%), North/Central America (15%), Oceania (12%), and South America (11%).
- Latitude Influence:
- Notably, mangrove area diminishes with increasing latitude, excluding the Sundarbans, which boasts the world’s largest mangrove tract along the Ganges delta.
- Largest Mangrove Areas:
- The countries with the most extensive mangrove coverage include Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, Mexico, and Nigeria.
- Sundarbans Exception:
- The Sundarbans, situated along the Ganges delta, stands out as an exception to the latitude trend, representing the world’s largest mangrove tract.
This distribution highlights the global significance of mangroves in coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts, particularly in key regions with high biodiversity and ecological importance.
International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem:
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed annually on 26 July.
The day serves as a dedicated platform to increase awareness about the significance of mangrove ecosystems, emphasizing their uniqueness, specialty, and vulnerability.
Objective:
The primary goal of this international day is to promote understanding and appreciation for mangrove ecosystems and to encourage efforts for their sustainable management, conservation, and responsible utilization.
UNESCO Adoption:
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem was officially adopted by the General Conference of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the year 2015.
Focus Areas:
- The day sheds light on the distinctive characteristics of mangrove ecosystems and the critical role they play in maintaining ecological balance along coastal areas.
- It aims to foster global collaboration in finding solutions for the preservation and sustainable use of mangroves, considering their vital contribution to biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and community livelihoods.
Awareness and Advocacy:
- Celebrations and activities on this day include awareness campaigns, educational programs, and advocacy initiatives to highlight the importance of mangroves and the threats they face.
- By commemorating the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, stakeholders and communities worldwide unite in their commitment to protect and preserve these invaluable coastal ecosystems.
FAQs: The State of the World’s Mangroves 2022 and Mangrove Conservation
1. What is the “The State of the World’s Mangroves 2022” report?
A: “The State of the World’s Mangroves 2022” is an annual report published by the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA). It provides the latest information on the status of mangrove forests globally, outlining efforts to address challenges and reverse concerning trends.
2. What are the key highlights from the report regarding carbon sequestration?
A: Preventing just 1% of mangrove loss can sequester 200 million tons of carbon. Restoring losses since 1996 could safeguard carbon equivalent to 1.27 gigatons of CO2, offsetting emissions from 49 million cars in the USA.
3. What is the GMA’s restoration goal, and what impact could it have?
A: The GMA aims to “restore half” of the 8,183 km2 of restorable mangrove area by 2030, especially in Southeast Asia. This goal could result in an additional 25 billion commercial marine fish and shellfish, benefiting 1 million small-scale fishers and communities relying on mangroves.
4. How do mangroves contribute to the economy and livelihoods?
A: Mangroves play a crucial role in preventing over $65 billion in property damages from storms and reducing flood risk for around 15 million people annually.
5. Why are mangroves considered efficient carbon capture systems?
A: Mangroves are the most efficient carbon capture and storage systems globally, currently storing carbon equivalent to over 21 billion tons of CO2.
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