Mangrove and Blue Carbon Conservation and Restoration – Successes in the Swamp

Over the last decade, the importance of mangroves and associated blue carbon ecosystems for climate mitigation, adaptation, and protection for coastal communities and biodiversity has been well established. At the same time, these coastal wetlands are some of the most threatened ecosystems globally with rates of loss nearly 2% each year. By recognizing the diverse contributions of mangrove ecosystems, communities, governments, non-profits and others are finding new ways to start to reverse these trends and increase conservation and restoration of coastal wetlands. In this session we will highlight a range of conservation, restoration, and sustainable management approaches and successes from around the world including through carbon markets (Colombia, Kenya, Madagascar and Mexico) and national climate policy (Costa Rica, Fiji). The session will also share lessons of how we continue to accelerate progress including through the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Blue Carbon Initiative.