International Mangrove Day: crucial for biodiversity and climate

July 26 has been proclaimed by UNESCO as the International Day for the Defense of the Mangrove Ecosystem, a date that seeks to highlight the importance of these unique forests that grow in floodable areas of tropical and subtropical coasts. In a context of climate crisis, where natural disasters such as storms and hurricanes increasingly affect coastal communities around the world, mangroves are revealed as fundamental allies in the fight against climate change and in the protection of biodiversity. In Guatemala, the coasts have suffered considerable damage due to extreme weather phenomena, impacting thousands of people and destroying infrastructure. The mangroves along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts in the country play a crucial role in mitigating these impacts. These ecosystems not only act as natural barriers against storms and tsunamis, but also contribute to stabilizing the local climate and absorbing carbon dioxide, thus helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With an area of 25,089 hectares, Guatemalan mangroves harbor a rich diversity of bird species, fish, reptiles, and plants, many of which are listed as Threatened Species in Guatemala. However, these ecosystems face serious threats due to human activities such as intensive agriculture, which promote changes in land use and alteration of mangrove hydrology. This is why the conservation and restoration of mangroves becomes an urgent and necessary task. Faced with this situation, various organizations in Guatemala have come together to address the challenges facing mangroves in the country. The Pacific Restoration Network, led by the National Institute of Forests (INAB) in collaboration with the National Council for Protected Areas (CONAP) and other entities, is working on restoration initiatives, environmental education, and research to protect and preserve these vital ecosystems. One of the highlighted projects is the Monterrico-Hawaii biological corridor, crucial for the conservation of migratory birds and where participatory strategies are being implemented with the local community. To commemorate the International Day for the Defense of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the Pacific Restoration Network has organized a special event at the La Aurora Zoo, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of mangrove conservation. It is essential to recognize the relevance of these ecosystems for environmental sustainability and for the protection of biodiversity in Guatemala. The preservation of mangroves not only benefits nature, but also contributes to the well-being and resilience of coastal communities in the face of the impacts of climate change.