Each year, May 22nd serves as a beacon of awareness through the International Day for Biological Diversity, reminding us of the indispensable role of biodiversity in sustaining human welfare and development. On this occasion, we specially cast a spotlight on the mangrove ecosystem, advocating for global cooperation to safeguard this vital natural asset.

Mangrove ecosystem, one of the most productive ecosystems on Earth, offer multiple ecological, climatic, and community benefits. As highly efficient carbon sinks, mangroves can store 3.754 × 10⁶ kg of carbon per hectare. However, their destruction, degradation, or loss can lead to the release of carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change. It is estimated that 8.183 × 10⁵ hm² of mangroves worldwide have the potential for restoration, which could store an additional 1.27 × 10¹² kg of carbon dioxide in the future. Moreover, as natural coastal barriers, mangroves help protect against storm surges, tsunamis, sea-level rise and erosion, reducing storm damage and mitigating flood risks.

The importance of mangroves is undeniable, yet even before we fully recognized their value, they had already experienced significant reductions in area and functional degradation. In recent years, these unique and productive mangrove ecosystems have started to receive increasing attention. The “30x30” global conservation target under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) explicitly includes mangrove ecosystems, reflecting their critical role in biodiversity and climate resilience. Numerous exemplary practices are underway globally, aiming to address environmental and developmental issues through the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of mangroves.

With global efforts, some progress has been made in the conservation of mangrove ecosystems. However, sustained global cooperation, along with the collective attention and effort of all sectors of society, remain crucial. The threats to mangroves still persist, and factors such as human activities and global climate change continue to pose severe challenges to mangrove ecosystems. Therefore, innovation in conservation models is crucial, requiring the exploration of an organic unity of ecological, economic, and social benefits to ensure the sustainability of conservation and restoration projects.

In the spirit of collaboration and stewardship, we urge our readers, researchers, and policymakers to continue supporting and advancing mangrove conservation. Through collaboration and proactive measures, we can protect and restore mangroves on a larger scale. Let us continue to work collectively towards a sustainable and biodiverse future.

As we celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity, we reaffirm our commitment to the conservation of biodiversity. Biodiversity is at the core of the Earth’s life support system, and its conservation is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring sustainable development for humanity. The Molecular Ecology and Conservation will remain steadfast in its mission to highlight and support innovative research, through collaboration and knowledge sharing, inspiring collective action.