On 6 November 2015, at its 38th session of the General Conference in Paris, the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially declared 26 July of each year, in response to the request of Ecuador, as the International Day of the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, through the resolution 38C/66. Officially, this day is the "International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems."

The objective of the day is to raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems as a unique, special, and vulnerable ecosystem, and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses.

What are mangroves? Mangroves are rare, spectacular and prolific ecosystems on the boundary between land and sea. These extra ordinary ecosystems contribute to the wellbeing, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. They support a rich biodiversity and provide a valuable nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans. Mangroves also act as a form of natural coastal defense against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion. Their soils are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering vast amounts of carbon.

Mangroves awareness:

• Mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses. Mangrove forests have been reduced by half in the last 40 years. The extent of mangroves in the world has decreased by 5,245.24 kmē between 1996 and 2020.
• It is estimated that more than three quarters of mangroves in the world are now threatened.
• An estimated 75 percent of commercially caught fish spend some time in the mangroves or depend on food webs that can be traced back to mangroves.
• 726 tonnes of carbon are offset by one hectare of mangroves
• Mangroves ecosystems are affected by unsustainable coastal development and infrastructure; poor farm and water management upstream; irresponsible fishing and aquaculture; and climate change.

• Official pages [UNESCO]: International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems
• UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030)
• Mangroves Restoration map tool
• Global Mangroves Watch

• GDRC Research Programme: Oceans, Coasts and Small Islands

Coastal ecosystems Mangroves are an intrinsic part of coastal ecosystems, working along with sea grass beds ad coral reefs to protect and nourish coastal areas. Mangroves with their root systems help in water filtration and pollutant removal from inland waters, thus helping coral reefs thrive (besides providing protected habitats for marine animals to live). Coral reefs and seagrass beds, on the other help in reducing the impacts of storm surges and tidal impacts on mangrove forests. The interdependence between these three ecosystems is critical for the safety and survival of coastal communities as well. More ...