Editorial: Mangroves in the Anthropocene: From local change to global challenge

Editorial: Mangroves in the Anthropocene: From local change to global challenge

Background

The editorial outlines the critical state of mangroves, emphasizing their ecological importance, the threats they face, and the urgent need for further research and conservation. As "coastal kidneys," mangroves actively cycle nutrients, sequester carbon, and filter pollutants and excess nutrients to improve water quality. Developing tropical and subtropical countries host over 90% of mangroves, where high deforestation rates persist. Historically, people have viewed mangroves as obstacles to development or exploitable resources, which has led to widespread degradation. Although deforestation rates have dropped compared to the late 20th century, the editorial urges consistent vigilance and proactive conservation efforts to protect these vital ecosystems.

Conclusions and Takeaways

Urbanization, aquaculture, and climate change-related pressures such as sea-level rise and altered precipitation patterns drive regionally variable rates of mangrove forest loss. Climate change also disrupts the balance of pollutants, including metals, within these ecosystems, potentially threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities who rely on fisheries. Understanding how sea-level rise influences mangrove migration and soil carbon storage is crucial for forecasting the broader implications of mangrove expansion. However, significant knowledge gaps persist regarding how global drivers affect local processes, the social challenges that 'Mangrove People' face, and the impacts of climate change on key faunal groups that shape mangrove community structure. Addressing these gaps through focused research, particularly in underrepresented regions, is essential for developing effective conservation, management, and restoration strategies.

Reference: 

de Lacerda LDrude, Ferreira ACesar, Ward R, Borges R. Editorial: Mangroves in the Anthropocene: From local change to global challenge. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change. 2022;5. doi:10.3389/ffgc.2022.993409.