The Importance of Planting Mangrove Trees

Mangroves are unique ecosystems that play a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance. Found in tropical regions, mangroves occupy coastal areas in over 120 countries and provide critical services to both humans and the planet. Among their many benefits, mangroves:

• Protect against storm surges and floods.

• Provide nurseries and shelters for fish and marine life.

• Supply building materials and firewood to local communities.

• Store significant amounts of carbon, helping to stabilize the global climate.

Mangroves: An Incredible Carbon Sink

With the rapid rise of greenhouse gas emissions, the need for effective carbon sinks has become more urgent. Mangrove forests are exceptional in this regard, with an estimated 20 petagrams of carbon stored globally. Despite occupying less than 5% of the world's land area, mangroves are one of the planet’s most significant carbon stocks—outperforming even vast tropical rainforests like the Amazon. Additionally, their fast growth rate allows mangroves to sequester carbon quickly and effectively.

Supporting Wildlife and Biodiversity

As forests are destroyed, wildlife loses its natural habitat, limiting their ability to survive. Madagascar, one of the world’s top conservation priorities, is home to over 200 species of mammals, 100 species of lemurs, 300 species of birds, and nearly 300 species of amphibians. About 90% of all wildlife in Madagascar is endemic. Our work with Eden Reforestation Projects helps protect these species by restoring their natural habitats and supporting biodiversity conservation efforts.