IUCN SSC Mangrove Specialist Group

The IUCN SSC Mangrove Specialist Group, aims to support mangrove research and conservation projects by bringing together experts in the field to share their knowledge. Hosted by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), the group aims to; assess the conservation status of mangroves; identify, quantify and prioritise threats; and develop plans to conserve the most threatened species and habitats.

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Public Perceptions of Mangrove Forests Matter for Their Conservation

This paper published by members of the MSG looks at public perceptions of mangrove forests, some of the misconceptions and why these are dangerous for the future of mangrove restoration. We also look at some possible way forward using social media and more nuanced methods of communication. Read the full report Public Perceptions of Mangrove Forests (2.93 MB). 

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Pause Before You Plant

Members of the MSG have come together to write a piece on the importance of calculated, evidence based and considered approaches to planting trees in response to climate change - they highlight the importance of protecting old growth forests that we already have, of planting mangrove forests in the correct areas and of making sure that mangroves are planted with due care and consideration, as minsmanaged or innapropriate planting of mangroves can lead to failure. You can read the piece Pause Before You Plant (687.98 KB). 

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Members of the Mangrove Specialist Group rally for the conservation of small mangrove patches. 

Scientists from across the MSG wrote a joint letter that was publised in Science on the 18th January 2019 addressing the accelerated loss of small mangrove patches globally and the combined effect this will have on the global status of these incredibly important species. 

Dr David Curnick, Post-doctoral Researcher at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology and member of the MSG said: “All too often mangroves are regarded as irrelevant swamps or wastelands – yet they’re incredibly important ecosystems. Globally, yes, mangrove conservation is being looked at, but it’s these smaller patches of mangroves in remote areas that need greater recognition. We need governments to move away from policy decisions that prioritise large areas and short-term local political gains, and instead adopt a more well-rounded long-term vision, ensuring the value of smaller mangrove patches are appreciated and safeguarded.”

The MSG wishes to thank everyone who helped make this a possibility. 

The letter can be found below and in the sidebar. 

The Importance of Small Mangrove Patches - Letter to Science (759.34 KB)

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New Mangrove Restoration Potential Mapping Tool released by The Nature Conservancy at the RAMSAR convention in Abu Dhabi. 

TNC has partnered with IUCN to develop a global model and map of mangrove restoration potential to help practitioners prioritize areas, and as a way to support and encourage mangrove restoration projects globally.

Model results can be viewed in an online mapping and decision-support tool that can be used by environmental groups to show the extent of degraded mangroves, how much land is available for restoration, identify priority restoration areas, and kick-start opportunities for implementing restoration projects. The project will also result in modeled ecosystem service values for restored sites.

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IUCN Mangrove Specialist Group Quarterly Newsletter

This quarter's specialist group newsletter is out including highlights of all the fantastic work that our members our doing worldwide, from articles and podcasts, to windsurfing and honey making! 

IUCN Mangrove Quarterly Newsletter (1.28 MB)