With a rise in the risk of coastal flooding, hurricanes and cyclones, mangrove ecosystems have been identified as one of the best natural protections for coastal communities and ecosystems in tropical and subtropical regions. Not only do they act as natural buffers against storm surges, they also play a vital role in carbon sequestration and, along with the other coastal ecosystems, provide coastal communities with many opportunities for sustainable livelihoods. Coastal ecosystems and mangroves are under threat globally from increased deforestation for timber, urban development, aquaculture farming, and pressure from a changing climate. Loss of mangrove habitat and other coastal ecosystems increases the risk of flooding and coastal abrasion, seawater intrusion, and negatively impacts biodiversity and coastal communities’ livelihoods. Monitoring mangrove ecosystems to prevent further degradation or loss and to assist with conservation and restoration initiatives is a priority.

The EO4SD Forest Management cluster provides countries with geospatial products and services supporting mangrove protection and restoration activities, including mangrove extent mapping, mangrove deterioration and loss assessment, and monitoring of mangrove health and recovery.