In May 2015 , Sri Lanka became the first country to legally protect all its remaining mangroves—around 21,782 acres' The world's first museum dedicated to mangroves is the Lanka Mangrove Museum , located in Sri Lanka.

💡 Why Mangroves Matter Carbon sinks : Absorb up to five times more CO₂ per hectare than typical forests Coastal defense : Buffers against tsunamis, floods, and erosion—showcased during the 2004 disaster Biodiversity hotspots : Host mangroves like Sonneratia alba , Bruguiera gymnorhiza , Avicennia marina , and Nypa fruticans , supporting fish, crabs, birds, turtles, and more

Mangrove Conservation Day

International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

Mangroves are facing serious threats worldwide. It is believed that over 75% of global mangrove ecosystems are at risk, endangering not only the trees themselves but also the diverse aquatic and land-based species that rely on them for survival. Recognizing their ecological importance, UNESCO is actively working to safeguard these vital blue carbon habitats. Through its global networks—Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks, and natural World Heritage sites—UNESCO promotes conservation and sustainable management of mangroves and other critical coastal ecosystems.

In May 2015, Sri Lanka became the first country to legally protect all its remaining mangroves—around 21,782 acres’
The world’s first museum dedicated to mangroves is the Lanka Mangrove Museum, located in Sri Lanka.

History

World Mangrove Day is observed on July 26 every year to raise awareness about the vital role mangroves play in protecting our coasts and ecosystems. Sadly, since 1980, nearly 50% of the world’s mangrove forests have been lost, and in some regions, the loss exceeds 80%. Mangroves thrive along tropical and subtropical shorelines, where conditions are harsh—salty water, tidal flooding, and low oxygen in the soil. Only around 110 plant species are specially adapted to survive in such challenging environments, which is why true mangroves are rare. These trees grow with their roots exposed in complex, cage-like structures that not only anchor them against strong waves but also provide vital shelter and breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and other marine life.

Preserving mangrove ecosystems is critical—they protect coastlines from erosion, reduce the damage caused by storm surges and tsunamis, and play a key role in capturing carbon, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.World Mangrove Day is observed on July 26 every year to raise awareness about the vital role mangroves play in protecting our coasts and ecosystems. Sadly, since 1980, nearly 50% of the world’s mangrove forests have been lost, and in some regions, the loss exceeds 80%. Mangroves thrive along tropical and subtropical shorelines, where conditions are harsh—salty water, tidal flooding, and low oxygen in the soil. Only around 110 plant species are specially adapted to survive in such challenging environments, which is why true mangroves are rare. These trees grow with their roots exposed in complex, cage-like structures that not only anchor them against strong waves but also provide vital shelter and breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and other marine life. Preserving mangrove ecosystems is critical—they protect coastlines from erosion, reduce the damage caused by storm surges and tsunamis, and play a key role in capturing carbon, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.

World Mangrove Day is observed on July 26 every year to raise awareness about the vital role mangroves play in protecting our coasts and ecosystems. Sadly, since 1980, nearly 50% of the world’s mangrove forests have been lost, and in some regions, the loss exceeds 80%. Mangroves thrive along tropical and subtropical shorelines, where conditions are harsh—salty water, tidal flooding, and low oxygen in the soil. Only around 110 plant species are specially adapted to survive in such challenging environments, which is why true mangroves are rare. These trees grow with their roots exposed in complex, cage-like structures that not only anchor them against strong waves but also provide vital shelter and breeding grounds for fish, crabs, and other marine life. Preserving mangrove ecosystems is critical—they protect coastlines from erosion, reduce the damage caused by storm surges and tsunamis, and play a key role in capturing carbon, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.

💡 Why Mangroves Matter

Carbon sinks: Absorb up to five times more CO₂ per hectare than typical forests
Coastal defense: Buffers against tsunamis, floods, and erosion—showcased during the 2004 disaster
Biodiversity hotspots: Host mangroves like Sonneratia alba, Bruguiera gymnorhiza, Avicennia marina, and Nypa fruticans, supporting fish, crabs, birds, turtles, and more

Education Programs conducted for the Mangrove Day

Contribution of Government Institutions to Mangrove Conservation

Session 01: 04th of July 2025
International Mangrove Conservation Day.
Topic Contribution of government institutions to Mangrove conservation such as Ministry of Environment, Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department, Department of Wildlife Conservation, Department of Forest Conservation