The following article, written by Samuel Fonseca de Carvalho, is part of a series of reflections on the upcoming International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) World Conservation Congress to be held in Abu Dhabi, October 2025. The series entitled “Classroom to Congress” examines proposed motions by the Global Center for Environmental Legal Studies (GCELS) at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University on a variety of environmental issues to be decided at the Congress. The articles in this series were developed through a guided research program for Pace | Haub Environmental Law students taught by Professor Achinthi Vithanage.
Mangroves have long been an overlooked yet invaluable ecosystem, playing a crucial role in carbon capture and storage, mitigating climate change, and providing essential ecosystem services. My passion for mangrove conservation began during my university years when I first learned about their ecological significance and the lack of sufficient efforts to protect and restore them. Recognizing the urgent need to prioritize mangrove conservation, I proposed this motion in hopes of strengthening global commitment to safeguarding these critical coastal ecosystems.
The Importance of Mangrove Ecosystems
Coastal ecosystems are increasingly recognized as nature-based solutions to combat climate change and mitigate the adverse effects of rising sea levels. Mangroves, in particular, serve as a vital link between terrestrial and oceanic carbon cycles, storing up to five times as much organic carbon as tropical upland forests. Beyond their climate mitigation role, they provide a wide array of goods and services that support livelihoods, including fishing, tourism, and navigation. Many communities rely on mangroves for their survival, maintaining traditions and cultures deeply connected to these environments.
On the other hand, mangrove degradation poses severe ecological, climatic, and social risks. The destruction of this ecosystem leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, reduced fishery productivity, and diminished natural coastal protection. The consequences are profound not only for local communities who depend on mangroves for sustenance and economic activity but also for climate stability. Alarmingly, studies indicate that converting mangroves to pasture emits three times more CO2 per hectare than deforestation in the Amazon, underscoring the critical need to curb mangrove loss.
Based on those circumstances, the conservation and protection of mangroves are recognized as key elements towards climate change mitigation and important factors for meeting the intended goals of the Paris Agreement.
The State of Latin American Mangroves
Latin America is home to 28% of the world’s mangrove forests, with Brazil and Mexico ranking among the top five countries with the largest mangrove extensions. Despite their ecological significance, the region has experienced significant mangrove loss. Between 2003 and 2019, Brazil lost approximately 282,763 km² of mangroves[1]—an area nearly three times the size of Portugal. Mexico has faced similar challenges, losing 447.88 km² of mangroves between 1996 and 2020.
Although more than 58% of Latin American mangrove forests have been designated as protected areas, legal protection alone is insufficient to ensure their effective conservation. A key challenge remains the lack of adequate financial resources to support their management and restoration. Within this context, Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) emerges as a viable mechanism to provide much-needed funding while incentivizing sustainable conservation practices.
How Can IUCN Help?
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has been actively engaged in mangrove conservation and restoration efforts. Building upon its existing partnerships and commitments, this motion seeks to support the ongoing advancement of IUCN’s policies regarding REDD+ mangrove projects and implement and incentivize similar initiatives that are already in place in Asia and Africa, and to be conducted in Latin American mangrove regions; with a focus on countries lacking IUCN-supported mangrove restoration and conservation projects.
Additionally, the motion seeks to support the Mangrove Breakthrough goals of halting mangrove loss, restoring half of recent losses, doubling global mangrove protection, and ensuring sustainable long-term financing for all existing mangroves to conserve and revitalize these vital coastal ecosystems.
To maximize conservation impact, the motion encourages governments to advance REDD+ projects by leveraging the various existing and available financial incentives, as well as urges all actors involved in REDD+ projects in Latin American mangroves to engage local communities, women, and traditional owners through participatory and co-management approaches. It emphasizes the importance of respecting the right to free, prior, and informed consent, while ensuring that women play an active role in decision-making processes related to conservation and restoration efforts.
The IUCN Motions Process
The motion garnered support from IUCN Members, who actively contributed to strengthening its language and framework. The following organizations supported the development of the motion and co-sponsored it: Korean Wetlands Society, Centro Mexicano de Derecho Ambiental, Grupo de Apoio à Educação e Comunicação Ambiental “PALMEIRINHA”, Regions4 Sustainable Development, Exploralis, Trust for Conservation of Coastal Resources, Association Marocaine pour la Protection de l`Environnement et le Climat. Although the motion did not pass review by the Motions Working Group, it raised awareness about an important, yet overlooked, conservation issue.
Conclusion
Mangroves are a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and ecosystem degradation, yet they remain underappreciated and underfunded. By strengthening REDD+ initiatives and fostering meaningful community participation, we can make tangible progress in protecting and restoring these invaluable ecosystems. Through collective action, informed policy, and sustained financial investment, we can ensure that Latin American mangroves continue to exist and provide their essential services, benefiting both the environment and the communities that depend on them. While the Motion did not proceed further, the issue remains highly pertinent. Even without a formal IUCN resolution, IUCN should continue advancing its REDD+ conservation and restoration initiatives in Latin American mangrove projects and contribute to the achievement of the objectives set out by the Mangrove Breakthrough goals.
[1] George Gualberto et al., Análise Temporal de Alterações nas Áreas de Manguezais e Apicuns do Brasil Entre 1985 A 2019, 18 Revista Uniaraguaia 48-62 (2023).