Mangrove ecosystems: Importance, threats and opportunities for restoration

Water
By: , and 

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Abstract

Mangroves are crucial for biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and supporting local livelihoods. Mangroves may also protect coasts from storms and rising sea levels and can play a major role in climate mitigation. Threats to their health include activities such as infrastructural development, urban encroachment, aquaculture and crop farming, and oil and gas exploration. We review the threats and opportunities for the restoration of mangrove ecosystems on the coasts of Africa, which are highly impacted by oil spills. The most important challenge for mangrove restoration identified in this review is the restoration of appropriate hydrologic and salinity regimes prior to natural recruitment or the active planting of propagules.

Suggested Citation

Ohimain, E.I., Turner, R.E., and Middleton, B.A., 2026, Mangrove ecosystems: Importance, threats and opportunities for restoration: Water, v. 18, no. 7, 787, 13 p., https://doi.org/10.3390/w18070787.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Mangrove ecosystems: Importance, threats and opportunities for restoration
Series title Water
DOI 10.3390/w18070787
Volume 18
Issue 7
Publication Date March 26, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher MDPI
Contributing office(s) Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Description 787, 13 p.
Additional publication details