Every July 26, the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is celebrated, a date proclaimed in 2015 by UNESCO to raise awareness of its importance and promote its protection and sustainable management.

According to this organization, mangroves are exceptional ecosystems located at the interface between land and sea, which provide essential environmental, social and economic benefits. They act as natural barriers against storms, tsunamis, storm surges, and coastal erosion, protecting nearby communities. They are habitats rich in biodiversity and function as nurseries and feeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, birds, and other animals. In addition, they protect coral reefs and seagrass meadows by preventing sedimentation.

These ecosystems also play a fundamental role in mitigating climate change, since, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), mangroves can capture up to five times more carbon than terrestrial forests, thus contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases.

However, mangroves are seriously threatened. Their coverage is estimated to have halved over the past 40 years and three-quarters of the world’s mangroves are being destroyed, with an annual loss of about 1%. This situation puts at risk both the biodiversity they host and the ecosystem services they offer, increasing the vulnerability of coastal populations to climate change.

International organizations such as UNESCO and the Global Mangrove Alliance promote their conservation, restoration and sustainable use. These initiatives seek to halt its degradation, restore its coverage by 20% by 2030 , and promote nature-based solutions that contribute to climate adaptation, food security, and people’s well-being.

Mangroves are a reminder of the interdependence between people and nature, and their protection is key to achieving a more sustainable and resilient future for coastal communities and the planet.