Remarkable Survival Rate of 2022/2023 Plantings
GMT Joins Global Mangrove Alliance to Propel Mangrove Conservation
Navigating GMT’s Pathway to the 2023 UN Climate Conference
Written By
Global Mangrove Trust
Singapore, Date: Global Mangrove Trust (GMT) is proud to announce its official membership in the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA), an international pioneering coalition dedicated to the large-scale conservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems worldwide. This partnership underscores GMT’s commitment to advancing community-driven, sustainable conservation efforts that align with GMA’s ambitious 2030 goals: halting net mangrove loss, doubling the protection of existing mangroves, and restoring half of all recently lost mangrove habitats.
Mangrove forests are among the world’s most valuable and threatened coastal ecosystems. Their preservation is crucial not only for mitigating climate change but also for sustaining biodiversity and enhancing the resilience of coastal communities. The Global Mangrove Alliance brings together NGOs, governments, scientists, industry, local communities, and funders to achieve conservation and restoration goals on an unprecedented scale.
Dr. Ryan Merrill, Co-Founder and Executive Secretary of the Global Mangrove Trust, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “Joining the Global Mangrove Alliance marks an exciting milestone for us. Our mission aligns seamlessly with GMA’s vision for 2030, empowering commitments to protect and restore mangrove ecosystems. By empowering local communities and the changemakers supporting blue carbon globally, we ensure mangrove stewardship remains sustainable and impactful. ”
GMT is actively involved in blue carbon development, including regenerative easements for 3850+ hectares of mangroves in North Sumatra and Aceh, Indonesia. Community engagement initiatives encompass livelihood training and support for women’s artisanal business groups, silvo-fishery projects, and educational resources for children. GMT’s easements not only protect and restore mangrove ecosystems, they also significantly enhance the livelihoods and well-being of local communities for long-term stewardship and resilience.
The early successes of GMA chapters in the Philippines and Indonesia highlight the alliance’s proactive and collaborative approach in achieving its conservation goals. In Indonesia, GMA has been instrumental in the establishment of mangrove-positive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), integrating science-based restoration targets into national climate commitments. These initiatives have laid a strong foundation for scaling up efforts across the region and beyond.
Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for 2030
As part of the Global Mangrove Alliance, GMT will continue to contribute to the alliance’s overarching goals, including the ambitious target of expanding mangrove habitat by 20% by 2030. In addition to restoration efforts, the GMA aims to catalyze $10 billion in investments to improve the resilience of coastal communities and enhance the well-being of an additional 10 million people through mangrove conservation projects.
The alliance also seeks to deliver on key objectives such as mitigating climate change impacts, sustaining biodiversity, and improving food security in coastal regions. By working together, members of the GMA can achieve far more than any organization could alone, driving meaningful and lasting change for mangrove ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. GMT is proud to be a member of the GMA, and will continue to develop solutions for scalable blue carbon sustainable land use in Southeast Asia and beyond with the support of the alliance.
Written By
Global Mangrove Trust
