changeadminThe green stretches across Indonesian islands such as Sumatra, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sulawesi, Papua, and Maluku, and is a thriving ecosystem of wildlife and coastal communities. The reason for this is that these islands are blessed with one of the most extensive mangrove forests in the world.
Indonesia is home to the largest mangrove ecosystem in the world, comprising approximately 3.2 million hectares, over 20% of global mangrove area and the highest diversity of mangrove species.
Mangroves are among the world’s most productive and carbon-rich ecosystems. They provide innumerable benefits in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and fisheries, serving as a natural buffer against tsunamis and storm surges.
Watch our video to know the reasons why mangroves are essential for our existence and why we need to protect them.
Mangrove Alliance for Climate
In 2022, at the COP27 in Egypt, Indonesia joined forces with the United Arab Emirates, which is home to unique mangrove ecosystems primarily consisting of the grey mangrove species (Avicennia marina), to form the Mangrove Alliance for Climate.
The Mangrove Alliance for Climate is now joined by countries including India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan, and Spain, and it aims to accelerate mangrove conservation through collective action, knowledge exchange, and innovation.
Over time, MAC has become an international, voluntary coalition dedicated to promoting, conserving, and restoring mangrove ecosystems as nature-based solutions to climate change.
Scale Up Conservation and Restoration: MAC members commit to planting, rehabilitating, and restoring mangrove forests in their own countries while supporting global efforts to do the same. They recognise mangroves’ role in climate mitigation—mangrove forests store carbon up to 400% faster than rainforests—and adaptation, protecting shorelines from sea-level rise and storm surges.
Voluntary, Collaborative Model: Each country sets its own targets and deadlines, while the alliance encourages the sharing of expertise, research, and technology for coastal management and protection. There is no binding enforcement mechanism; multilateral cooperation happens voluntarily.
Focus on Ecosystem Services: MAC also highlights the broader benefits of mangroves, including fisheries support, biodiversity, and livelihood opportunities for coastal communities. Around 80% of marine fish species depend on healthy mangrove habitats.
Raise Global Awareness: The alliance undertakes outreach and education campaigns about mangroves’ vital roles, supporting science, philanthropy, and private investment in blue carbon solutions.
Wrapping Up
The Mangrove Alliance for Climate reflects a growing international consensus that mangrove protection is critical for both people and planet in the face of climate change.
MAC highlights mangroves as powerful nature-based solutions to climate change, boosts global awareness of their ecosystem services, and drives support for blue carbon projects through research, philanthropy, and collaboration.
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