Mangrove Restoration

The document argues that mangrove restoration requires more than planting seedlings, necessitating rigorous scientific planning, inclusive community engagement, and strong governance. It warns that poorly planned efforts can disrupt hydrological regimes, increase erosion, and exacerbate gender inequalities or tenure conflicts. Drawing on Convention on Biological Diversity guidelines, the brief recommends conducting long-term environmental monitoring, using native climate-resilient species, engaging Indigenous Knowledge holders, and upholding free, prior, and informed consent.

• Mangrove ecosystems provide critical coastal protection, erosion control, and carbon sequestration, yet 20% to 35% of these forests have been lost over the last 50 years due to climate change, urban development, aquaculture, and agriculture.
• Inadequate planning in restoration projects can lead to negative environmental outcomes, such as the disruption of natural ecological functions, altered hydrological regimes, or increased erosion.
• Poor governance and a lack of stakeholder engagement in restoration can result in the loss of livelihoods, conflicts over customary access or tenure, and the worsening of gender inequalities.
• Effective restoration requires specific safeguards: rigorous environmental assessments and monitoring beyond 2 years, the use of native climate-resilient species, the inclusion of rightsholders and Indigenous Knowledge holders, and the adherence to human rights and free, prior, and informed consent.

APA

Lo,, V. (2026). Mangrove Restoration. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/brief/mangrove-restoration-safeguards

Chicago

Lo,, Veronica. Mangrove Restoration. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2026. https://www.iisd.org/publications/brief/mangrove-restoration-safeguards.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Lo, |first1=Veronica |title=Mangrove Restoration |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=16 April 2026 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/brief/mangrove-restoration-safeguards |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{lo2026mangrove, author = {Lo,, Veronica}, title = {{Mangrove Restoration}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2026}, month = apr, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/brief/mangrove-restoration-safeguards}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }