World Mangrove Day 2025

By Daniel Kweku Baidoo, GUD Fellow

Saturday, 26th July marked World Mangrove Day  - a day to reflect on the vital role coastal ecosystems play in protecting our planet. Mangroves aren’t just trees; they are nature’s frontline defense against climate change, erosion, and biodiversity loss.

At GUD we believe that sustainability starts at the roots - in nature, in communities, and in innovation. Mangroves are among the most ecologically and economically valuable ecosystems on the planet, particularly for coastal and riverine communities.

Mangroves can store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests; primarily in their deep, waterlogged soils, making them critical allies in climate mitigation. Their dense root systems reduce wave energy by up to 66% over just 100 metres, protecting coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and sea-level rise. Mangroves also serve as breeding grounds for over 3,000 species, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, and migratory birds, many of which are vital to food security and local economies.

Up to 80% of global fish catches are directly or indirectly dependent on mangrove ecosystems at some stage in their life cycle. For many coastal families, mangrove-linked fisheries are their primary source of protein and income.

The cost savings from mangroves in avoided damages during cyclones and storms is estimated in the billions annually.

So let us pause to honour these silent natural allies — sustaining life, buffering climate shocks, and quietly safeguarding our future through their extraordinary role in resilience, carbon storage, and food security. Let us truly celebrate this World Mangrove Day!

In a world searching for climate solutions, perhaps it's time we looked not to the sky, but to the roots that bind our shores. Every mangrove we save today is a coastline, a community, and a climate future we secure for tomorrow.