Mangroves: The Unsung Heroes of Our Planet’s Health
In the face of increasing threats such as flooding, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events, one unsung hero stands tall: the mangrove. These unique ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, acting as natural coastal defences, and mitigating climate change. However, despite their vital contributions, mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate.
On the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, it is time to shine a spotlight on these life-saving ecosystems and the urgent need for their protection and restoration.
According to recent reports, mangroves are being lost at a rate three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with severe ecological and socio-economic consequences. UNESCO estimates that some countries have lost more than 40% of their mangroves in the past 40 years.
Recognizing the critical role of mangroves, the non-profit organization International Animal Rescue partners with YIARI, a conservation group in Indonesia, to restore and protect these ecosystems. As part of their community-led conservation program, YIARI has successfully grown and planted over 50,000 seedlings since 2021, with the help of local coastal farming communities.
To raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and their benefits for both people and nature, YIARI will be hosting a community event on July 26th. The event will focus on engaging young people and children in activities such as presentations, practical sessions on growing and nurturing seedlings, and a hands-on planting exercise. A beach clean-up will also be organized to highlight the impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems.
Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, emphasizes the urgent need for action, saying, “Mangroves are in danger, and it’s estimated that more than three-quarters of the world’s mangroves are under threat. Conservation strategies led by local communities are the most sustainable and impactful. YIARI’s community event on World Mangrove Day is a perfect example of how our efforts can benefit both people and nature.”
In 2025 alone, YIARI aims to plant more than 10,000 seedlings as part of their community mangrove restoration project. Thanks to the commitment and dedication of local people, the initiative has achieved a remarkable seedling survival rate, contributing not only to the restoration of mangrove ecosystems but also to the protection of coastal areas and support of biodiversity.
Bruce also highlights the urgent need for greater action, stating, “We are witnessing catastrophic changes in the weather, with severe drought, storms, and flooding becoming a regular occurrence. What were once-in-a-century events are now happening annually. Mangroves stabilize sediments, reduce wave force, and shield farmland from saltwater intrusion. Without them, coastal communities face failed crops, accelerating erosion, and mass displacement.”
On this International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, let us recognize the irreplaceable value of mangroves and take action before it’s too late. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.internationalanimalrescue.org.
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