The urgency is clear. The speed of mangrove loss has declined in recent years, but substantial areas are still being converted and climate change will continue to impact coasts and communities, and we stand at a turning point. Yet, the opportunity is equally immense. Leading scientists at the IMCRC conference highlighted that over 800,000 hectares of mangroves are available for restoration globally, including 160,000 hectares of disused aquaculture ponds in Southeast Asia alone, of which at least 100,000 hectares are potentially restorable. Research has provided us with the information to achieve this ambition, from understanding the root causes of loss and degradation to setting clear goals, selecting the right approaches, and implementing long-term monitoring. However, critical gaps remain—including inadequate community involvement, land tenure complexities, misguided restoration targets and interventions, and insufficient funding mechanisms.

The discussions over the three days reinforced a crucial truth: mangrove restoration is not just about planting trees—it is about restoring entire ecosystems and the services they provide to people and nature. Mangrove conservation and restoration is also not just about locking away carbon—it is critical to sustain resilient coastal communities in an uncertain future. Success depends on integrating science, implementation, and people, ensuring restoration efforts are socially just, ecologically sound, and financially sustainable.

This document reflects the outcomes of the IMCRC conference and our collective commitment to advancing global mangrove conservation and restoration efforts in alignment with the objectives of the Mangrove Breakthrough, The Abu Dhabi Mangrove Initiative and The Global Mangrove Alliance.