Mangroves are more than trees, they are water infrastructure
After many decades of loss, mangroves and coastal wetlands are showing signs of incredible recovery.
Mangroves and coastal wetlands are demonstrating significant recovery after decades of decline, revealing their potential as vital water infrastructure. According to the State of the World's Mangroves report, global mangrove cover is on the rise, with 65 percent of the recent increase occurring in previously barren areas. These ecosystems, which include mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes, offer essential services such as nutrient provision, breeding grounds for diverse species, coastal protection against storms and erosion, improved water quality, carbon storage, and habitats for marine life.
Research indicates that these coastal wetlands mitigate flood damage for nearly half a million people and prevent approximately $2 billion in yearly damages. They exemplify the interconnectedness between water and land, as any harm to one element disrupts the balance of the other. While conservation efforts have shown promise, mangrove losses persist alongside new forest growth, and rising sea levels and pollution continue to challenge their development.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
