Mangroves are among the most significant blue carbon ecosystems globally (Alongi, 2014). Approximately 27% of blue carbon ecosystems around the world are mangroves, and they store around 6.5 billion tonnes out of the total 11.5 billion tonnes stored by the world's blue carbon ecosystems (Primus, A., et al 2026). Mangroves capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass and the sediments beneath them. This carbon can be stored for a long time, making mangroves important carbon sinks. For this reason, they are recognised as a "blue carbon ecosystem" (James et al., 2024). They thrive as coastal forests at the interface of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems. Their ability to sequester and store carbon in biomass and sediments makes them valuable ecosystems for climate change mitigation, while their protective functions enhance the resilience of vulnerable coastal regions and contribute to adaptation (Alongi, 2014). Their ability to reduce coastal risks, support fisheries and coastal livelihoods, enhance biodiversity, and sustain communities demonstrates the multiple benefits generated when ecosystem conservation and climate action are approached together (Duarte et al., 2013).
Despite their ecological and socio-economic importance, mangroves continue to face significant threats from anthropogenic activities (IUCN, 2020), including degradation from coastal development, land-use change, pollution, and climate-related pressures. Mangroves in tropical and subtropical regions are highly sensitive to climate stressors such as sea-level rise, fluctuating temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and salinity fluctuations. Similarly, global assessments like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report show that human-driven disturbances remain a major contributor to mangrove loss, threatening both ecosystem functions and the communities that depend on them (Friess et al., 2019; Goldberg et al., 2020). Therefore, conservation cannot be achieved through ecological measures alone. It requires an integrated, holistic, and comprehensive approach that brings together governance, science, finance, and community participation to strengthen the resilience of mangrove ecosystems.
Recent developments in global climate and biodiversity architecture demonstrate a growing recognition of this need. The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has shifted international conservation discussions towards ecosystem-based approaches, emphasising restoration, effective conservation, and reducing pressures on biodiversity (CBD, 2022). Similarly, the global climate policy process under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) increasingly recognises the role of nature-based and ecosystem-based solutions in strengthening adaptation and mitigation efforts, particularly for developing countries (IPCC, 2019).
The outcomes of COP30 in Belém further supported the shift from global commitments to implementation, including through progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). The outcomes of the conference placed stronger emphasis on adaptation, climate finance, and accelerating action for coastal and marine ecosystems. The outcomes under Decision 12/CMA.7, Annex can support the restoration of degraded mangrove forests to address the impacts of climate change, and community-based mangrove management to support local livelihoods and fisheries. They can also encourage the inclusion of coastal conservation in National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The COP30 Action Agenda highlighted the importance of restoring and conserving critical blue ecosystems and recognised initiatives such as the Mangrove Breakthrough, which seeks to mobilize USD 80 million for mangrove protection and restoration. These developments reflect a growing understanding that achieving climate goals requires investment in ecosystems that simultaneously deliver mitigation, adaptation, and resilience benefits.
As an island nation located within the biodiversity-rich Indian Ocean region, Sri Lanka’s coastal ecosystems are closely linked with national priorities related to climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, fisheries sustainability, and disaster risk reduction. Strengthening mangrove governance requires translating international commitments into national policies and ground-level action with the involvement of communities.
SLYCAN Trust has been working on climate resilience, nature-based solutions, knowledge dissemination, and inclusive climate action. Through research, policy engagement, youth empowerment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, SLYCAN Trust contributes to strengthening the links between scientific evidence and policy processes to support practical solutions. Our work highlights that successful conservation cannot be separated from the communities that depend on and help protect these ecosystems. It is essential to equip local communities with awareness, knowledge, and economic opportunities needed to support the long-term conservation and resilience of mangrove ecosystems.
The Bluegreen Protectors Project, implemented by SLYCAN Trust, is an example of how sustainable conservation systems can be built through long-term partnerships between communities, government institutions, academia, and the private sector. This project contributed to restoring 20 acres of degraded mangrove habitat across Dikkowita in Gampaha District and Mundel Lagoon in Puttalam District by initially planting 800 mangrove seedlings, while establishing two community-run nurseries that have since produced more than 7,200 mangrove plants to support restoration efforts. Beyond ecological restoration, the project also created alternative livelihood opportunities through community-managed nurseries, developed a certified training programme on Ecotourism and Livelihood Development through Protection and Restoration of Coastal Ecosystems, and removed over 833 kg of waste from Dikkowita Lagoon through community clean-up campaigns. This project also brought together different stakeholders including local fishing communities, youth groups, prawn farmers, local authorities such as the Wattala and Mundel Pradeshiya Sabhas, national agencies including MEPA, the Forest Department, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), as well as universities and civil society organisations.
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed annually on 26 July, providing an opportunity to reflect on these connections. This day highlights the importance of protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems while promoting sustainable management approaches (UNESCO, 2024). However, the future of mangroves will not only depend on raising awareness but also on whether global commitments translate into meaningful action at the local level.
This is also a reminder that climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and ocean governance are not separate agendas. They are interconnected, and achieving a sustainable future depends on recognising and acting on these linkages.
Read more about the interconnectedness of biodiversity conservation and ocean governance here: https://slycantrust.org/knowledge-resources/the-maritime-sector-perspectives-on-security-climate-change-and-the-environment
Thilini works as a Research and Programme Officer at SLYCAN Trust, and works on thematic areas of climate change, mangroves, and agricultural insurance. Her areas of interest include coastal ecosystems and climate change. Thilini has a BSc in Fisheries and Marine Sciences from the Ocean University of Sri Lanka. She has a diploma in Information Technology and E-Commerce from the Esoft Metro Campus. She also completed an 8-week internship in the Marine Biological Resources Division at the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). Her experience in fisheries, coastal sciences, ocean sciences, and seafood technology led her to publish her first research paper at the Ocean University of Sri Lanka.
Mangroves are among the most significant blue carbon ecosystems globally (Alongi, 2014). Approximately 27% of blue carbon ecosystems around the world are mangroves, and they store around 6.5 billion tonnes out of the total 11.5 billion tonnes stored by the world's blue carbon ecosystems (Primus, A., et al 2026). Mangroves capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere and store it in their biomass and the sediments beneath them. This carbon can be stored for a long time, making mangroves important carbon sinks. For this reason, they are recognised as a "blue carbon ecosystem" (James et al., 2024). They thrive as coastal forests at the interface of terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems. Their ability to sequester and store carbon in biomass and sediments makes them valuable ecosystems for climate change mitigation, while their protective functions enhance the resilience of vulnerable coastal regions and contribute to adaptation (Alongi, 2014). Their ability to reduce coastal risks, support fisheries and coastal livelihoods, enhance biodiversity, and sustain communities demonstrates the multiple benefits generated when ecosystem conservation and climate action are approached together (Duarte et al., 2013).
Despite their ecological and socio-economic importance, mangroves continue to face significant threats from anthropogenic activities (IUCN, 2020), including degradation from coastal development, land-use change, pollution, and climate-related pressures. Mangroves in tropical and subtropical regions are highly sensitive to climate stressors such as sea-level rise, fluctuating temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and salinity fluctuations. Similarly, global assessments like the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report show that human-driven disturbances remain a major contributor to mangrove loss, threatening both ecosystem functions and the communities that depend on them (Friess et al., 2019; Goldberg et al., 2020). Therefore, conservation cannot be achieved through ecological measures alone. It requires an integrated, holistic, and comprehensive approach that brings together governance, science, finance, and community participation to strengthen the resilience of mangrove ecosystems.
Recent developments in global climate and biodiversity architecture demonstrate a growing recognition of this need. The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has shifted international conservation discussions towards ecosystem-based approaches, emphasising restoration, effective conservation, and reducing pressures on biodiversity (CBD, 2022). Similarly, the global climate policy process under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) increasingly recognises the role of nature-based and ecosystem-based solutions in strengthening adaptation and mitigation efforts, particularly for developing countries (IPCC, 2019).
The outcomes of COP30 in Belém further supported the shift from global commitments to implementation, including through progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA). The outcomes of the conference placed stronger emphasis on adaptation, climate finance, and accelerating action for coastal and marine ecosystems. The outcomes under Decision 12/CMA.7, Annex can support the restoration of degraded mangrove forests to address the impacts of climate change, and community-based mangrove management to support local livelihoods and fisheries. They can also encourage the inclusion of coastal conservation in National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The COP30 Action Agenda highlighted the importance of restoring and conserving critical blue ecosystems and recognised initiatives such as the Mangrove Breakthrough, which seeks to mobilize USD 80 million for mangrove protection and restoration. These developments reflect a growing understanding that achieving climate goals requires investment in ecosystems that simultaneously deliver mitigation, adaptation, and resilience benefits.
As an island nation located within the biodiversity-rich Indian Ocean region, Sri Lanka’s coastal ecosystems are closely linked with national priorities related to climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, fisheries sustainability, and disaster risk reduction. Strengthening mangrove governance requires translating international commitments into national policies and ground-level action with the involvement of communities.
SLYCAN Trust has been working on climate resilience, nature-based solutions, knowledge dissemination, and inclusive climate action. Through research, policy engagement, youth empowerment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, SLYCAN Trust contributes to strengthening the links between scientific evidence and policy processes to support practical solutions. Our work highlights that successful conservation cannot be separated from the communities that depend on and help protect these ecosystems. It is essential to equip local communities with awareness, knowledge, and economic opportunities needed to support the long-term conservation and resilience of mangrove ecosystems.
The Bluegreen Protectors Project, implemented by SLYCAN Trust, is an example of how sustainable conservation systems can be built through long-term partnerships between communities, government institutions, academia, and the private sector. This project contributed to restoring 20 acres of degraded mangrove habitat across Dikkowita in Gampaha District and Mundel Lagoon in Puttalam District by initially planting 800 mangrove seedlings, while establishing two community-run nurseries that have since produced more than 7,200 mangrove plants to support restoration efforts. Beyond ecological restoration, the project also created alternative livelihood opportunities through community-managed nurseries, developed a certified training programme on Ecotourism and Livelihood Development through Protection and Restoration of Coastal Ecosystems, and removed over 833 kg of waste from Dikkowita Lagoon through community clean-up campaigns. This project also brought together different stakeholders including local fishing communities, youth groups, prawn farmers, local authorities such as the Wattala and Mundel Pradeshiya Sabhas, national agencies including MEPA, the Forest Department, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), as well as universities and civil society organisations.
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed annually on 26 July, providing an opportunity to reflect on these connections. This day highlights the importance of protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems while promoting sustainable management approaches (UNESCO, 2024). However, the future of mangroves will not only depend on raising awareness but also on whether global commitments translate into meaningful action at the local level.
This is also a reminder that climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and ocean governance are not separate agendas. They are interconnected, and achieving a sustainable future depends on recognising and acting on these linkages.
Read more about the interconnectedness of biodiversity conservation and ocean governance here: https://slycantrust.org/knowledge-resources/the-maritime-sector-perspectives-on-security-climate-change-and-the-environment
