International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
TypeInternational
CelebrationsUNESCO
Begins2016
Date26 July
Next time26 July 2025 (2025-07-26)

The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is a UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) holiday celebrated every year on 26 July.

This International Day was designated by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2015 and it was first held in July 2016.[1]

Mangroves are prolific ecosystems, supporting rich biodiversity, and their soils are effective carbon sinks.[2] They also form natural coastal barriers against storm surges.[3]

Yet, according to UNESCO, some countries lost more than 40% of their mangroves between 1980 and 2005.[4]

UNESCO's protection of the mangrove ecosystem involves the inclusion of mangroves in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites and UNESCO Global Geoparks[2] as well as the protection of the blue carbon ecosystem.[5]

References

  1. ^ "On first International Day, UNESCO calls for protection of mangrove ecosystems | UN News". news.un.org. 2016-07-26. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  2. ^ a b "International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem". UNESCO. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
  3. ^ "International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem: Replanting mangrove gives community hope in the face of climate change". Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  4. ^ "Support mangrove conservation, UNESCO chief says | UN News". news.un.org. 2021-07-26. Retrieved 2023-06-08.
  5. ^ "UNESCO and Partners Highlight Value of Blue Carbon Initiatives". SDG knowledge Hub. Retrieved 2023-06-08.