What is Mangroves?

Mangroves are one of the coastal ecosystems that capture and store "blue carbon" from the atmosphere and oceans, making them an essential piece of the solution to global climate change. Mangroves are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics, and it is estimated that the average annual carbon sequestration rate for mangroves averages between 6 to 8 Mg CO₂e/ha (tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare).

Of the coastal blue carbon stored within mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows, 50–99% is located in the soils below ground. When these systems are damaged, an enormous amount of carbon is emitted back into the atmosphere, where it can then contribute to climate change. Protecting and restoring mangroves and other coastal habitats is a good way to reduce climate change, as these systems sequester carbon at a much faster rate than forests and can continue to do so for millions of years. The Blue Carbon Initiative is a global program focused on conserving and restoring coastal ecosystems for the climate, biodiversity, and human wellbeing, including mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrasses (Grimsditch et al. 2013).