Mangrove forests are uniquely adapted to growing in shallow salt water and brackish estuaries. Their extensive root systems and canopy form a nursery for fisheries and a habitat for wildlife in tropical and near tropical areas of the world. Mangroves were once considered stagnant, worthless swamps. Today, scientists and communities living and working with mangroves are learning to respect these ancient flora as critical components of the global environment with distinct value to fisheries, wildlife and humans. Recent studies indicate mangrove forests are particularly good at sequestering CO2, rivaling tropical rain forests in their contribution to slowing global warming.

Over the past 25 years upwards of 35% of remaining mangrove forests have been destroyed world wide. Most of the destruction has been caused by human activities, clearing the land for shrimp farms and other purposes. Natural destruction can also occur from large hurricanes, tsunamis or changes in hydrological conditions.

Mangrove restoration projects have sprung up in many areas around the world, in particular in SE Asia where shrimp farming has taken a huge toll on mangrove forest lands. Restoration projects and educational efforts are underway in areas of South and Central America and in Florida as well. The world-wide task is a large one and restoration will be an ongoing effort for many years. For more information on Mangrove restoration world-wide we recommend the Mangrove Action Project with information at the following website: http://www.mangroveactionproject.org/