Celebrating mangroves — and the community action and science-based research helping to protect them
On World Mangrove Day, we honor one of the planet’s most powerful — and often overlooked — climate allies. Mangroves are more than just trees that thrive where land meets sea. They are carbon-storing powerhouses, biodiversity havens and natural shields for vulnerable coastlines. At Winrock, we’re proud to work alongside communities, scientists and with diverse funders around the world to protect and restore these vital ecosystems.
Mangroves can store up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests, making them essential in the fight against climate change. But their value doesn’t stop there. They reduce storm surge impacts, prevent coastal erosion and provide critical habitat for fish, birds and other wildlife. For the millions of people who live near mangrove forests, these ecosystems are a source of food, income and protection.
Winrock’s work with mangroves spans continents and communities — from the wetlands of Florida to the deltas of West Africa and the dense forests of South Asia. What unites these efforts is a commitment to science-based solutions, local leadership and innovative partnerships.
Partnering for carbon-focused conservation in Florida
In the U.S., Winrock is collaborating with the Everglades Foundation on the Everglades Carbon Assessment project, a groundbreaking initiative to quantify the carbon storage potential of one of the world’s most unique wetland ecosystems. This work is helping to build the scientific foundation for future carbon finance opportunities.
The Everglades, often called the “River of Grass,” is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a critical carbon sink. Through this partnership, Winrock is applying its expertise in carbon accounting to assess how conservation and restoration of these wetlands can contribute to global climate goals.
Community-led mangrove restoration in Senegal
Thousands of miles away, in the mangrove-rich estuaries of Senegal, Winrock has supported youth-led mangrove restoration efforts that transform both landscapes and lives. Local youth groups are planting mangroves, monitoring regrowth and raising awareness about the importance of these ecosystems. Their work is a powerful example of how community leadership can drive environmental resilience.
These grassroots efforts not only restore degraded areas but also strengthen local capacity to adapt to climate change. By empowering young people with tools, training and support, Winrock is helping to ensure that mangrove conservation is both sustainable and locally owned.
Safeguarding the Sundarbans in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, Winrock has a long history of working to protect the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Through the Climate Resilient Ecosystems and Livelihoods project, Winrock partnered with local communities and government agencies to promote sustainable resource management and enhance climate resilience.
One standout Winrock-led initiative related to this work is a John D. Rockefeller 3rd Scholars Program that supported Bangladeshi researchers in conducting a comprehensive valuation of the Sundarbans’ ecosystem services. Their findings helped quantify the immense economic and environmental value of the forest — from carbon storage to storm protection — and informed national conservation strategies.
“Mangroves are in danger: It has been estimated that more than three-quarters of the world’s mangroves are under threat along with all the aquatic and terrestrial organisms that depend on them. For this reason, UNESCO is acting to protect them and other valuable blue carbon ecosystems, through its networks of Biosphere Reserves, Global Geoparks and natural World Heritage sites.” — Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO director general
Global commitment to a resilient future
Whether it’s through cutting-edge carbon assessments, youth-led restoration, or community-based conservation, Winrock’s mangrove work reflects a broader vision: conserving nature’s power to ensure a more resilient, sustainable future.
On this World Mangroves Day, we celebrate not just these remarkable trees and ecosystems they anchor, but the people — scientists, students, funders and community leaders — who work to protect them. Together, we’re demonstrating that when we invest in nature, we invest in our collective future.
Want to learn more? Check out these pieces about some of our mangrove-related work with partners around the world: Partnering to protect the Everglades; Assessing carbon storage in Florida’s Everglades; and Bangladesh mangrove team summary.
Related Projects
Everglades Carbon Assessment Project
Winrock International and The Everglades Foundation are building upon a lasting collaboration that draws from mutual philosophies, complementary knowledge and skills. The focus of Winrock’s work is on assisting the Foundation to evaluate greenhouse gas emissions from various agricultural, freshwater, and coastal ecosystems across southern Florida. Winrock is also supporting the Foundation’s efforts to quantify […]
Senegal Dekkal Geej (Restoring the Sea)
A sixth of Senegal’s population relies on fisheries for their livelihood, yet the sector faces challenges posed by poor fisheries management practices and increasing domestic and international demand for fish. The Senegal Dekkal Geej project is working with local fishers, the Senegalese government and the private sector to improve food security, increase incomes and strengthen […]