Half of the world’s mangroves are at risk of disappearing, according to the first comprehensive assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The analysis identifies human behavior as the primary cause of the decline of these vital ecosystems, particularly in southern India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Shrimp farms, coastal development, and river dams, which alter the flow of sediment, are major contributors to mangrove loss.

Critical Mangrove Regions Under Threat

The IUCN report highlights that the mangroves in the South China Sea, central Pacific, and eastern Coral Triangle systems, including areas around Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, are classified as endangered. Angela Andrade, Chair of the IUCN Ecosystem Management Commission, emphasized the significance of mangroves, stating, “Mangrove ecosystems are unique in their ability to provide essential services to people, such as coastal disaster risk reduction, carbon storage and sequestration, and support for fishing. Their loss can be disastrous for nature and people around the world.”

Mangroves, found along tropical coasts worldwide, consist of various species of trees and shrubs and host a wide range of biodiversity. They serve as nurseries for fish and are home to diverse wildlife, including tigers, African wild dogs, and sloth bears. Despite covering only 15% of the world’s coasts, mangroves absorb nearly three times the carbon stored by tropical forests of the same size, making them crucial carbon sinks.

Increasing Threats from Climate Change

In addition to human activities like shrimp farming and coastal development, rising sea levels and the climate crisis pose growing threats to mangroves. The increased frequency and severity of intense storms further endanger these ecosystems. The IUCN study, which involved over 250 experts worldwide, used tools similar to the IUCN Red List to assess the risk to ecosystems.

The IUCN’s red list of ecosystems provides clear pathways for reversing the loss of mangroves and protecting these delicate environments for the future. Angela Andrade noted, “The red list of ecosystems offers clear pathways on how we can reverse the loss of mangroves and protect these delicate ecosystems for the future, in turn helping to safeguard biodiversity, address the effects of climate change, and support the realization of the Global Framework for Biodiversity.”