What makes mangroves ecologically important, and how do they help buffer the effects of climate change and environmental pollution?

Mangroves are among the most valuable coastal ecosystems, providing critical benefits for marine life, human communities, and the environment. They serve as breeding and nursery grounds for many fish species, stabilize shorelines by preventing erosion, and act as natural water filters that trap sediments and pollutants before they reach coral reefs and seagrass beds. Mangroves also play a key role in mitigating plastic pollution. Their dense root systems act as natural barriers, trapping plastic waste that would otherwise drift into open waters. While this helps reduce the spread of plastic, excessive accumulation can harm mangroves by smothering their roots and hindering seedling growth, making conservation efforts crucial. Beyond their ecological role, mangroves are also vital in protecting coastal communities from climate change. Their root structures dissipate wave energy, reducing the impact of storm surges and coastal flooding.

Additionally, mangroves are one of the most effective carbon sinks on the planet, capturing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide. Importantly, the fruits and other extracts of mangrove species contribute to food security for local communities, as part of the ecosystem provision component of ecosystem services. By safeguarding mangroves, we enhance climate resilience, protect livelihoods, and preserve biodiversity for future generations.

Our projects protect coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs from plastic pollution. To quantify the benefits of our conservation efforts, we assess the ecosystem health and biodiversity improvements by establishing the baseline conditions and monitoring the improvements after deploying our technologies such as those in Kingston Harbour and Jakarta Bay. In Kingston Harbour, legacy debris cleanups have removed accumulated plastic waste, enabling us to evaluate how reduced pollution supports ecosystem recovery.