July 26th, the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, is a day to celebrate the vital role that mangroves play for nature and the wellbeing of coastal communities throughout the world, as nursery grounds for fish; as barriers against storms and as sources of wood for building and cooking.

However, mangroves are disappearing rapidly, driven by land conversion for aquaculture and agriculture, coastal development, pollution and overexploitation. Estimates indicate that a quarter of mangroves have been lost in the past 40 years, which has significant impacts upon numerous species of birds, fish, mammals and insects and means huge losses for the millions of people that regularly use and depend upon mangroves across the world’s tropical regions.

The consequences of mangrove loss include impoverished livelihoods, lower economic growth, declining human security, and a poorer quality of life for local communities and coastal populations.

Here are 5 facts that show why we must protect and restore mangroves for people and nature: Read More