Seizing the Mangrove Opportunity: A Cornerstone for the Blue NDC
June, 26. Written by Marinez Scherer and Ignace Beguin
Mangroves are not just another ecosystem in the climate puzzle — they are a keystone. For countries with coastlines, embracing mangrove protection within their Blue Nationally Determined Contributions (Blue NDCs) is essential to address both the climate crisis and the rapid decline of marine ecosystems.
Investing in mangroves means investing in a resilient, food-secure, biodiverse, and low-carbon future. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity.
As the global community intensifies efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals, the ocean has increasingly emerged as both a victim of and a solution to the climate crisis. Within this context, mangroves, one of the most powerful and threatened blue carbon ecosystems, hold a critical place. They are not only key allies in climate mitigation, but also serve as buffers against coastal hazards and linchpins of food security. Their relevance spans across adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development, making them indispensable to the success of any Blue NDC.
The Mitigation Powerhouse: Blue Carbon at Work
Mangroves are among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics, with the ability to store carbon at rates up to four times higher than terrestrial forests. These blue forests’ dense root systems and rich soils sequester vast amounts of CO₂, locking it away for centuries. Protecting and restoring mangroves is a cost-effective, nature-based solution to reduce emissions, precisely the type of strategy encouraged under the Blue NDC approach.
Moreover, mangrove conservation offers immediate results: avoided emissions from deforestation, enhanced sequestration through restoration, and long-term carbon storage. In all tropical forest actions, mangroves should be included in the scope of work.
Beyond Carbon: Safeguarding Coastal Communities
While their carbon sequestration capacity is significant, mangroves are equally vital in building climate resilience. They serve as natural barriers against storm surges, flooding, and coastal erosion, hazards that are worsening with sea level rise and more frequent extreme weather events. Coastal communities that are buffered by healthy mangrove forests experience less damage and faster recovery following storms. Investing in mangrove conservation is therefore an investment in adaptation infrastructure that is both cost-effective and sustainable.
Food Security and Livelihoods: A Vital Role in the Seafood Chain
Mangroves are nursery grounds for a wide variety of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans that support both artisanal and commercial fisheries. These ecosystems underpin local food systems and economies, especially in the Global South. Millions of people depend directly on mangrove-rich ecosystems for their protein intake and income. Degradation of mangroves often translates into declining fish stocks and increased vulnerability of small-scale fishers. Including mangrove protection in Blue NDCs helps secure long-term food security and supports livelihoods aligned with ocean sustainability.
A Triple Win for Climate, Nature, and People that Requires Bold Ambition and Action
The integration of mangrove conservation and restoration into Blue NDCs offers a rare triple win — simultaneously reducing emissions, building coastal resilience, and sustaining biodiversity and food systems.
Launched at COP27, the Mangrove Breakthrough aims to mobilize $4 billion to protect and restore 15 million hectares of mangroves by 2030. Endorsed by Brazil and 39 other governments, alongside more than 100 financial institutions, NGOs, and research centers, this initiative is critical to deploy mangrove-positive policies and increase investments.
To support this effort, the Breakthrough’s NDC Taskforce has developed a suite of practical policy resources offering technical guidance for countries to recognize and harness the climate adaptation and mitigation benefits of mangroves within their NDCs.
Despite their transformative potential, mangroves continue to disappear at alarming rates due to land conversion, aquaculture expansion, and infrastructure development. Blue NDCs offer a concrete policy mechanism to reverse this trend. They provide countries with the opportunity to set ambitious targets for mangrove protection, restoration, and sustainable management, linking ocean action with climate ambition and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Crucially, these actions must be supported by inclusive governance, financial mechanisms, and science-based planning.