The global decline of mangroves: is there a sustainable future?

14 Feb 2012 – 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm

This event has already taken place

Mangroves provide a range of ecosystem services currently valued at US$1.6 billion globally. For many coastal communities, mangrove ecosystems provide livelihoods, essential sources of protein and coastal protection. They are also important carbon stores and directly or indirectly support up to 80% of global fish catches. Despite their importance, around 1% of mangroves are being lost annually as a result of land development, pollution, demand for materials and climate change. It is estimated that 20–35% of mangroves have been lost since 1980 and currently more than one in six mangrove species are at risk of extinction. However, a growing field of expertise in the restoration, rehabilitation and sustainable management of mangrove forests suggests that not all mangroves have to meet this fate. At this meeting leading scientists discussed the global importance of mangrove ecosystems and considered options for their future management, conservation and rehabilitation.

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Download abstracts of talks here The global decline of mangroves: is there a sustainable future? (86 KB)

Mangrove seedlings
Photo: Apol Asis, ZSL Speakers
Simon Cragg School of Biological Sciences, University of Portsmouth
Introduction to mangroves, their biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide

David Curnick Marine and Freshwater Conservation Programmes Coordinator ZSL
Community-Based Mangrove Rehabilitation in the Philippines

Lewis LeVay School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University
Sustainability of aquaculture and fisheries

Nathalie Pettorelli Institute of Zoology, ZSL
Satellites to support mangroves conservation

Chair: Jonathan Baillie, Director of Conservation Programmes, ZSL

ZSL Science and Conservation Events: An essential part of ZSL's work is to communicate relevant, high-quality zoological and conservation science. The integrated ZSL Science and Conservation Events programme includes Symposia, and the new 'Wildlife Conservation' and 'Communicating Science' series. Topics cover a wide variety of zoological and conservation themes, and international experts present and discuss their research.