Biodiversity & blue carbon
Mangrove
Definition
Mangroves are halophytic (salt-tolerant) trees and shrubs forming intertidal forests along tropical and subtropical coasts, covering roughly 14–15 million hectares globally. They sequester carbon at rates two to four times higher per hectare than many terrestrial forests, store it in waterlogged soils for millennia, buffer storm surges and serve as nurseries for fisheries; around 50% of pre-industrial mangrove area has been lost.
References
blue carbon definition, carbon density vs terrestrial forests, ~50% loss, emissions share
Overview
What it means
Mangroves are flagship "blue carbon" ecosystems: their destruction releases large carbon stocks (mangrove loss has accounted for up to ~10–19% of deforestation-related emissions), while restoration delivers mitigation, adaptation and livelihood co-benefits.
How it is used
Mangrove protection and restoration feature in NDCs, blue carbon credit projects, coastal defence strategies and community forestry programmes.
Why it matters
Few ecosystems pack so much climate mitigation, disaster protection and food security value into so little area; continued loss undermines all three.