Mangroves are more than coastal forests. They protect communities, support marine life, store carbon and help coastal ecosystems thrive. Yet these vital ecosystems remain under growing pressure.

The 2026 edition of The State of the World’s Mangroves brings together the latest science and insights from more than 190 authors to examine the state of mangroves, the threats they face and opportunities to protect and restore them.

While mangrove loss is slowing in many places and restoration efforts are growing, old-growth forests continue to disappear, with half of the world’s mangroves at risk of collapse by 2050. The report highlights new research on coastal protection, plastic pollution and mangrove ecosystems, while showcasing how scientists, policymakers, practitioners and communities are turning global goals into practical action.