Experts say rethinking mangrove conservation can bring economic and ecological benefits.

Traditionally, mangrove conservation efforts have prioritised biodiversity protection while minimising conflicts with economic interests, overlooking the substantial benefits these ecosystems offer.

A new study highlights the potential for significant economic and biodiversity gains, as well as protection against flooding, by reevaluating mangrove conservation strategies.
Mangroves play a crucial role in safeguarding infrastructure, communities, carbon sequestration, and fisheries, making their rapid depletion a global concern.

Alvise Dabalà, whose research at UQ formed the basis of the study, says human activities like deforestation and coastal development have a devastating effect on mangroves.
“As it stands, current conservation efforts just aren’t doing enough to take advantage of these services,” he said. 

The researchers propose a shift in perspective by aligning their strategy with the United Nations' Global Biodiversity Framework, which recommends increasing protected areas to 30 per cent of the world's land. 

They advocate for a more balanced approach that places greater emphasis on ecosystem services alongside biodiversity protection.

Dabalà says that achieving this balance requires careful consideration of trade-offs between biodiversity preservation, economic interests, and ecosystem services.
“But if done properly, this target has the potential to safeguard AU$25.6 billion of coastal property value, globally,” he said. 

“It would also protect 6.1 million coastal-dwelling people against the impacts of flooding, and safeguard over one billion tonnes of sequestered carbon.”

Australia, in particular, stands to benefit from expanded mangrove protection, especially in Northern Queensland, Darwin, East Arnhem in the Northern Territory, and between Pilbara and Kimberley in Western Australia, due to its diverse and carbon-rich mangrove forests.

Professor Anthony Richardson of UQ has stressed the importance of this perspective shift, acknowledging that, in some regions with high human pressure, the loss of ecosystem services may outweigh the benefits. Nonetheless, for many ecosystems like mangroves, the benefits are clear and quantifiable.

“We know that long-term gains from biodiversity protection are often greater than short-term gains from anthropogenic activities, so this shift in thinking must happen soon,” he said. 

To achieve these goals, the researchers recommend the development of biodiversity and ecosystem services data and their incorporation into practical conservation plans. 

They also highlight the need for tailored conservation strategies that address the specific needs of local communities.

More details are published in Nature Communications.