International Mangrove Day
International Day for the Conservation of the Mangroves Ecosystem
26 July 2025
“Preserving mangroves means protecting our communities, our climate and our biodiversity”
On the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, Wetlands International Afrique reaffirms its commitment to the protection and restoration of these unique ecosystems, which are natural bulwarks against coastal erosion, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
Mangroves: vital ecosystems under threat
Mangroves play an essential ecological and socio-economic role. They are home to exceptional biodiversity, protect coastlines from storms, sequester large amounts of carbon, and support the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in coastal areas of West Africa. However, these blue forests are in alarming decline due to human pressure, unplanned urbanisation, and climate change.
A call for collective action
Wetlands International Africa calls on governments, local authorities, civil society, researchers, technical and financial partners, and citizens to:
Strengthen the implementation of national policies for sustainable mangrove management; Invest in nature-based solutions for climate resilience; Encourage community participation in mangrove restoration and governance.
🌴 Our action in the field
Through its programmes, Wetlands International Africa works with its partners to restore mangroves in Senegal, GuineaBissau, and SierraLeone. By supporting local initiatives such as these, we are strengthening the economic autonomy of local communities while promoting the sustainable management of their natural resources.
🍀 Celebration in our intervention areas
This day will be marked by awareness-raising activities, workshops, exchanges with stakeholders and visits to restored sites. This framework for exchange aims to pool experiences, promote local innovations and strengthen regional cooperation.
Let’s work together to preserve mangroves, ensure a sustainable future for coastal communities and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
Press contact:
Rokyatou Thiam – Communications Officer
📧 [email protected]
