Mangrove forests as a solution to the climate and biodiversity crisis? In Berlin, experts discuss the importance of mangrove ecosystems worldwide and for Germany

Mangrove forests as a solution to the climate and biodiversity crisis? In Berlin, experts discuss the importance of mangrove ecosystems worldwide and for Germany

Mangrove forests are of immense value to humans and nature in the tropics: they protect coasts from erosion and storms, store large amounts of carbon and provide a habitat for numerous animal and plant species. At the same time, they secure the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. But mangroves are under threat: these ecologically and economically valuable habitats are being lost at an alarming rate due to deforestation, pollution and climate change. To draw attention to the importance of mangrove forests and develop concrete solutions for their protection and restoration, the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), WWF Germany and the Berlin Zoological Gardens have organised the Mangrove Future Day. The event brings together researchers, political decision-makers and representatives of society at Tierpark Berlin to discuss strategies for a sustainable future. At the same time, the event offers the opportunity to initiate new partnerships for target group-orientated communication and education in order to address this topic even more effectively in society in the future.

The event is opened by Sebastian Unger, Federal Government Commissioner for the Marine Environment, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation,
Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), Berlin. He says: "Mangroves are an indispensable component of healthy marine ecosystems and essential for coastal protection. The Mangrove Future Day is an important opportunity to bring together the expertise based in Germany in one room and to promote mangrove protection worldwide."

Dr Véronique Helfer, mangrove ecologist at ZMT, spokesperson for ZMT at the Leibniz Biodiversity Research Network and initiator of the third Mangrove Future Day, emphasises: "At ZMT, we see mangroves as key factors for sustainable development. We are delighted to once again bring people and ideas together at the Mangrove Future Day. At this event, we were also able to discuss innovative solutions that both safeguard the social value of these forests and promote their sustainable use."

The Mangrove Future Day is co-organised by WWF Germany, which is carrying out several field projects in Central America and East Africa to protect these coastal forests. Axel Krumsiek, Head of Marine Conservation at WWF Germany, explains: "Mangroves are climate protectors, habitats and sources of income at the same time. Protecting these unique forests must be a priority - not only for nature, but also for people. We are working together with the local communities to sustainably protect the mangroves and create sustainable livelihoods in the long term."

The Senator for Environment, Climate and Science of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Kathrin Moosdorf says: "Mangroves are unique ecosystems and an important habitat for countless animal species. They serve as nurseries for marine life, are highly efficient CO₂reservoirs and provide natural protection for coasts from storms. Despite their enormous importance, mangroves are under threat worldwide. Science has a crucial role to play in halting and reversing this trend. With good research approaches and the right methods, we can specifically protect mangroves and promote their regeneration. Bremen as a centre of science is a beacon of marine science. In Bremen and Bremerhaven, a large number of internationally renowned research institutions are committed to the sustainable protection and revitalisation of mangroves and life in the oceans."

"As a zoological institution, we see it as our task to give people access to nature and to sensitise them to the need to protect our environment. With almost six million visitors a year, we have a unique opportunity to reach and educate a wide audience. Environmental education is a central component of our work and we firmly believe that continuous educational work can make a decisive contribution to nature and species conservation," explains host and Zoo and Tierpark Director Dr Andreas Knieriem. With its Berlin World Wild species conservation programme, the zoological gardens have been specifically supporting the important research of the ZMT since 2022 in order to promote the protection of endangered ecosystems such as mangroves.

Impressions from the Mangrove Future Day on 17 December 2024 at Tierpark Berlin | Photos: Andreas Süß, ZMT

Background Mangroves
Mangrove forests are unique coastal ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They consist of a variety of tree species that have developed special root systems that enable them to survive in the often soft, swampy soils of coastal regions. These trees are characterised by numerous adaptations to salty and changing environmental conditions and form a special bridge between land and sea.

These forests play a crucial role in environmental protection: they protect coasts from erosion by stabilising the land and acting as natural barriers against storms and floods. Mangroves are therefore invaluable, especially in times of climate change, when extreme weather events are on the increase. Mangroves also store large amounts of carbon and thus make a significant contribution to global climate protection. It is estimated that mangroves can store up to five times more carbon than the same area of tropical rainforest.

In addition to numerous ecosystem services for humans, mangrove forests are important for biodiversity and provide a habitat for numerous animal species, including fish, birds and insects, which are dependent on the special conditions in the coastal habitat. They are spawning and nursery grounds for fish, crabs and shrimps, some of which later populate coral reefs or other coastal ecosystems. Mangrove forests and their resources also provide a valuable food source for many coastal communities and support their economies through fishing and tourism. Despite their importance, mangroves are endangered worldwide. They are disappearing at an alarming rate due to deforestation for agriculture, especially for the cultivation of palm oil and rice, as well as pollution and climate change. The loss of mangrove forests not only jeopardises biodiversity, but also the livelihoods of the people who depend on them. Their protection and restoration are therefore urgent global tasks to support both nature and the affected communities.

ZMT - Leibniz Zentrum für Marine Tropenforschung

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