Greening with mangroves in drylands and beyond   

Overview

Mangroves provide essential ecosystem services that contribute significantly to the livelihoods, well-being and security of coastal communities. Despite the numerous benefits they offer, mangrove forests are among the most threatened and vulnerable ecosystems worldwide. 

To celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July, this event will promote awareness on the role of mangroves in sustainable development, livelihoods and climate response. The focus will be on the dryland countries. Saudi Arabia, the event co-organizer, is implementing an ambitious mangrove planting programme recognizing mangroves as an essential biological barrier to protect biodiversity and prevent erosion in the coastal areas as part of the Saudi Green Initiative.  

Objectives

• Promote awareness on the role of mangroves in sustainable development, livelihoods and climate response;
• Share perspectives on elevating the profile of mangroves in development and climate strategies at national and global levels with a focus on dryland countries; and  
• Enhance collaboration among partners working on sustainable mangrove management, conservation and restoration.

Zhimin Wu
Director, Forestry Division, FAO  

Tiina Vahanen (Moderator)
Deputy Director Forestry Division, FAO  

Khaled Alabdulkader
CEO, National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification
Saudi Arabia

Eva Ntara
FAO Youth Committee
International Forestry Students' Association