Mangroves Protect Coasts from Storm Surges and Floods Mangroves play a crucial role in coastal protection by serving as natural barriers against storm surges, strong winds, and flooding. Their dense root systems anchor the soil, reducing erosion, while their above-ground structure dissipates wave energy, lowering the height and intensity of storm surges. During floods, mangrove forests absorb and slow down the flow of water, preventing or minimizing inundation in coastal areas. This protective function not only safeguards ecosystems but also shields human communities and infrastructure from the devastating impacts of extreme weather events, making mangroves invaluable for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
Co-Founder at iCOR, Founder at Imvelo Ltd | TedX Speaker | Environmental Consultant - Auditing and Training Business to make them Sustainable | Hedgehog Fosterer | STEM Ambassador
The importance of mangroves and coastal ecosystem - need I say more? Mangroves often live in the shadow of forests and rainforests in global conversations about conservation. This is why they are not just a bunch of trees but really important part of the ecosystem: 1. Mangroves don’t just store 3–4 times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests; they bury it deep in their soil, locking it away for millennia. This makes them vital in long-term carbon sequestration. 2. Mangroves serve as nurseries for 75% of tropical fish species, including commercially valuable ones like snapper and shrimp. 3. Millions of families in coastal communities rely on mangroves for food, materials, and income. For instance, sustainable honey production from mangroves supports families in Asia and Africa. 4. Coastal communities protected by mangroves are 5 times less likely to experience severe damage from hurricanes, tsunamis, or typhoons. 5. Mangroves filter heavy metals, microplastics, and nitrogen runoff before they reach coral reefs or open waters. Studies show that mangroves prevent 3 million tonnes of nitrogen pollution from entering the oceans each year. 6. Restoring just 1 hectare of mangroves can reduce flood damage to property by more than $33,000 annually, according to a study by The Nature Conservancy. 7. The global economy benefits from mangroves to the tune of $65 billion annually, yet only 2% of climate finance is directed towards their restoration and protection. For every £1 invested in mangrove restoration, the return on ecosystem services—such as storm protection, fisheries enhancement, and tourism—ranges between £10–£40. Over 35% of global mangrove coverage has disappeared since 1980. What’s your take on mangrove conservation?