On the pivotal ninth day of COP28, nature took center stage as 21 countries threw their weight behind the Mangrove Breakthrough, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at restoring and safeguarding 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030. This endorsement, led by Belgium, Germany, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom in Europe, signifies a critical step towards harnessing the power of mangroves as key players in climate change mitigation and ecosystem restoration.
Amidst the intense discussions on Day 9 of COP28, nature took center stage with a significant breakthrough in mangrove restoration and protection. A coalition of 21 countries endorsed the Mangrove Breakthrough, a groundbreaking project aimed at restoring and safeguarding 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030.
Mangroves, recognized as biodiversity hotspots, were underscored for their pivotal role as carbon sinks. These ecosystems not only enhance and maintain local water quality but also play a crucial role in reducing coastal erosion. Pepe Clarke, WWF Global Oceans Lead, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of mangroves, stating, “These critical ecosystems provide win-win-win solutions for climate, biodiversity, and people.”
