The International Union for Conservation of Nature , known for its red list of threatened species, has for the first time taken stock of the world’s mangroves, evaluating 36 different regions. — frentusha/Getty Images/ETX Studio picGENEVA, May 22 — Half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse due to climate change, deforestation and pollution, according to a study published Wednesday.
Mangroves are trees or shrubs that grow mainly in seawater or brackish water along coastlines and tidal rivers, in equatorial climes.Released on the International Day for Biodiversity, IUCN said its findings show that “50 per cent of the mangrove ecosystems assessed are at risk of collapse” — categorised as either vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered.However, the risk is increasing due to sea-level rise and the greater frequency of severe storms associated with climate change.
“Mangrove ecosystems are exceptional in their ability to provide essential services to people, including coastal disaster risk reduction, carbon storage and sequestration, and support for fisheries,” said Angela Andrade, chair of the IUCN commission on ecosystem management.The study said looking after mangroves was essential for mitigating the effects of climate change, with healthy ecosystems coping better with sea level rise and providing inland protection from the effects of severe storms.