| |
Dear Readers,
Did you know? When mangroves first appeared, dinosaurs were still roaming the Earth! Since then, this magnificent group of species has evolved, spread across coastlines and became intrinsic to the coastal web of life. Today, they are under extreme threat, with a net global loss in coverage. While the rate of loss has decelerated over the last 15 years, the health of these ecosystems and the diversity of the plants and all the life forms that depend on them continue to decline at alarming rates (State of Mangroves Report, 2024).
With time, the perspectives and nuances of mangrove conservation have also evolved. Case in point is the increased focus on securing investment for mangrove conservation from the banking and insurance industries, rather than relying solely on philanthropic or donor funding. It makes perfect sense. Mangroves slow down and reduce the loss of lives, livelihoods and property, acting as a bioshield against cyclones and storm surges.
But like any conservation effort, it is important to remember that our understanding of the problems, as well as the solutions we design, is shaped by our lived experiences, personal journeys and cultural backgrounds, all acting as an invisible filter through which we interpret the world. Thus, we urge readers to consider that curiosity, empathy and an acknowledgement of our own biases are important tools in the conservation story we are all part of.
So, in this issue, we turn to these magnificent sentinels of the coast, looking beyond the ecosystem services they provide, such as biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration. We focus instead on our personal connection to the ecosystems we work in, and on our experiences as transient visitors who have been mesmerised by mangroves. Along with spotlight articles, educational material and stories of people rooted in mangroves. This issue also features a scientific resource on the Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) virus from a One Health perspective. We are also pleased to invite you to join our webinar on 27 July, where experts from across Asia will discuss how gender smart financing and de-risking mechanisms can help secure the future of mangrove ecosystems.
As we mark this International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem (July 26), let us remember – mangroves outlived dinosaurs, asteroids and mass extinctions – let’s work to ensure they survive us.
Warmly,
Shambhavi Krishna,
Guest Editor
Forestry and Biodiversity Advisor, GIZ
|
|
|
