The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is celebrated annually on July 26. This day aims to raise awareness about the importance of mangrove ecosystems, which are recognized as unique, special, and vulnerable. It was designated by UNESCO in 2015 to promote sustainable management and conservation of these vital ecosystems.
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.
Yet mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts. Current estimates indicate that mangrove coverage has been divided by two in the past 40 years.