Report was released on World Mangrove Day (observed annually on 26th July).

Key Highlights of Report

• Southeast Asia has almost about one-third of all mangroves globally (Indonesia alone has 21% of world’s mangroves), followed by West and Central Africa.
• Half of world’s mangrove provinces are considered threatened (IUCN Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems).
• Mangroves in Lakshadweep archipelago and on coast of Tamilnadu are critically endangered.

Drivers of Mangrove Loss

• Climate change (sea-level rise, increased storm intensity).
• Expansion of industrial shrimp aquaculture (Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat).
• Conversion to oil palm plantations, rice cultivation (43% loss between 2000- 2020).

Benefits of Mangroves

• Support variety of plants and animals e.g. Over 5,700 plant/animal species have been recorded in Indian mangroves.
• Acts as carbon sinks i.e. store an average of 394 tonnes of carbon per hectare.
• Protect coastal regions from disasters i.e. Reduce flood depths by 15- 20%, and over 70% in some areas.
• Fish and seafood sourced from mangrove ecosystems are often rich in essential nutrients like protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (e.g. vitamins D and B12), and minerals (e.g., iron, zinc).
• Improves water quality through filtering pollutants and trapping sediments.