All articles tagged with #mangroves
Thirteen photographs from the 2026 Mangrove Photography Awards showcase mangrove forests—from ghost nets tangled in roots to mudskippers, flamingos and dolphins—while illustrating mangroves’ key roles in biodiversity, coastal protection and carbon storage amid threats like pollution and deforestation and broader climate pressures.
Satellite data show the world’s mangrove forests are expanding since 2010 after decades of loss, with islands in Myanmar, Indonesia and Australia contributing to net gains. Mangroves store roughly four times more carbon than other forests and help buffer coastlines from flooding, erosion and storms. While regional degradation from harvesting and pollution persists, the overall rebound is a positive development for climate and coastal resilience, underscoring the need for continued protections, restoration, and monitoring.
NPR’s Far-Flung Postcards visits Torosiaje, a unique Bajau seafaring village built on stilts over Sulawesi’s coast, where residents protect and cultivate mangroves to revive fish habitats, shield the shoreline, and even harvest mangrove seeds for soap, medicine, skincare, and cake flour.
In Mombasa, Kenya, Peter Nyongesa and the Tulinde Mikoko group are using hidden beehives to protect mangroves from illegal logging. The bees act as natural deterrents, attacking loggers who attempt to cut the trees. This initiative not only helps conserve the mangroves, which are crucial for preventing erosion and mitigating severe weather impacts, but also provides income through the sale of high-quality mangrove honey. Despite challenges in measuring the tactic's effectiveness, the integration of beekeeping with conservation efforts shows promise in safeguarding these vital ecosystems.
In Mombasa, Kenya, local conservationists are using hidden beehives to deter illegal logging of mangroves, which are crucial for preventing erosion and mitigating severe weather impacts. The initiative, part of a broader community effort, also generates income through the sale of high-quality mangrove honey. Despite challenges in measuring its effectiveness, the project integrates livelihood support with environmental conservation.
A new global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature reveals that half of the world's mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse due to climate change-induced sea level rise and more severe storms. Mangroves, which protect coastal communities and provide habitats for various species, are struggling to survive in increasingly harsh conditions. The report emphasizes the need for mangrove restoration projects and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to ensure the longevity of these vital ecosystems.
Tidal marshes, mangroves, and coral reefs, which support the livelihoods of millions of people, are at risk of submergence due to rapid sea-level rise if global warming exceeds 2°C above pre-industrial levels. These coastal ecosystems are crucial for fisheries, storm protection, and recreation, making it essential to address climate change to protect them.