Context: As per the Global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) shows more than 50% of the world's mangrove forests at risk of collapse.

• The first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems gives key guidance that highlights the urgent need for coordinated conservation of mangroves -- crucial habitats for millions in vulnerable communities worldwide.

About the Assessment

• The report, Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems, is the first global mangrove assessment for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). 

• It warns that half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems run the risk of collapse.

• IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) used to measure the health of ecosystems.

• The report examined the world’s mangrove ecosystems in 36 different regions, prepared with active involvement of more than 250 experts in 44 countries from various research institutions, including the IUCN Species Survival Commission and the Global Mangrove Alliance.

Key Findings

• 50% of mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse, with 19.6% at high risk (either Endangered or Critically Endangered).

• Threats include climate change, deforestation, development, pollution, dam construction, and sea-level rise.

• Climate change threatens 33% of assessed mangrove ecosystems.

• 25% of global mangrove area could be submerged by sea-level rise in the next 50 years.

• By 2050 if 5% more mangroves are lost and 16% mangroves get submerged due to lack on conservation, the world would be at risk of losing:

• 1.8 bn Tonnes of carbon stored, which is currently valued at least at $13 billion at market prices in voluntary carbon markets, representing a cost to society equal to $336 billion based on the social cost of carbon.

• 2.1 bn Protection for 2.1 million lives exposed to coastal flooding (14.5% of current lives exposed) and $36 billion worth in protection value to properties (35.7% of current property values protected).

• 17 mn days of fishing effort per year (14% of current fishing effort supported by mangroves).

Distribution of Mangroves

• Asia has a share of 42 percent of the world’s mangroves, which is followed by Africa (21 percent), North/Central America (15 percent), Oceania (12 percent), and South America (11 percent).

• Countries with the largest area of mangroves – Indonesia, Brazil, Australia and Mexico.

• Mangroves in India – West Bengal has a total of 42.45% of India’s mangrove cover, followed by Gujarat at 23.66%, and A&N Islands at 12.39%. 

About Indian mangrove ecosystems 

• They have been bunched into three parts. The ecosystems in the Bay of Bengal region shared by India and Bangladesh and those in the west shared by India and Pakistan are in the least concerned category. 

• However, the mangrove ecosystem in the south, which India shares with Sri Lanka and Maldives, is categorised as critically endangered.

• Status of Indian Mangroves: Andaman and Bay of Bengal (Least Concern), South India (Critically Endangered), West India (Vulnerable).

Importance of Mangroves

• Provide ecosystem services and ecological support for fisheries and biodiversity.

• Act as carbon sinks, storing around 11 billion tons of carbon.

• Improve water quality by filtering pollutants and trapping sediments.

• Protect coastal regions from disasters such as floods and storms.

• Mangroves cover an area of 150,000 square kilometres globally.

• Support 126 million fishing days per year, offering vital income for local communities.

• If degradation continues, the loss could amount to $13 billion in terms of voluntary carbon market prices.

• Mangroves are essential for coastal disaster risk reduction, carbon sequestration and ecological support for fisheries and biodiversity. 

Initiatives for Mangroves

• Mangrove Breakthrough – Launched at UNFCCC COP27 by UN High Level Climate Champions and Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA).

• Mangrove Alliance for Climate – Spearheaded by UAE in partnership with Indonesia.

• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) in India.

• 26 July celebrated as International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.