International Day for Biodiversity 2026: Protecting Mangroves Through Collective Action

Photo courtesy of Nathalie Kyrah Mostiero

Written by : Nalwa Isun and Eunicito Barreno, Science Communication Interns

Every May 22, countries around the world observe the International Day for Biological Diversity to recognize the importance of preserving the planet’s wide variety of life and promoting sustainable actions for future generations. Carrying the 2026 theme, “Acting locally for global impact,” the celebration highlights the significance of community-driven environmental initiatives in helping protect ecosystems worldwide. Among the natural environments emphasized in these conservation efforts are mangrove forests, which remain essential in sustaining biodiversity and safeguarding coastal communities.

Mangrove Biodiversity and Its Importance

Biodiversity, also known as ‘biological diversity’, is the variety of life found on Earth. It includes all living things, like bacteria, plants, fungi, insects, animals, and humans. It is home to more than 30% of the world’s species and encompasses the ecosystems where these organisms interact and rely on one another for survival. Scientists emphasize that biodiversity is crucial to maintaining the planet’s life-support systems. Human societies rely on healthy ecosystems for food, medicine, clean water, livelihoods, and protection against natural hazards. 

Among the ecosystems that significantly contribute to global biodiversity are mangrove forests. Mangroves grow along tropical and subtropical coastlines and help protect communities from strong waves, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels. Their intricate root systems provide vital breeding and nursery habitats for fish, crabs, mollusks, and other marine organisms, making them indispensable to marine biodiversity and food security. 

Current State of Mangroves

The Philippines has a wide biodiversity in terms of the number and percentage. It is regarded as one of 17 mega biodiversity countries due to its geographical isolation, diverse habitats, and high rates of endemism. It ranks fifth globally in terms of the number of plant species and maintains 5% of the world's flora. In mangroves alone, the country holds at least 50% mangrove species of the world's approximately 65 species. However, due to human-caused disturbances, including clearing mangrove forests and transforming them into plantations, villages, industries, irrigated or rainfed rice fields, and fish or shrimp ponds, biodiversity may decrease, particularly among mangroves and their associated organisms. 

      Mangrove deforestation in the country is a potential threat to the diversity of species. While aquaculture development was identified as the most significant cause of mangrove degradation since the early years until the present, there are also a number of serious threats, including urbanization, conversion to agriculture, overharvesting for industrial uses such as timber and charcoal, and climate change, among others (Agaloos 1994; Alongi 2002; Primavera 2000; Boquiren et al. 2010). 

         The degradation of mangrove ecosystems impacts not only wildlife but also millions of Filipinos living in coastal communities. When mangrove forests are fragmented, coastal communities become more vulnerable to flooding, storm surges, declining fish populations, and economic challenges. The continued loss of biodiversity can also disturb ecological balance and weaken the resilience of both ecosystems and human communities.

READ MORE MANGROVE MATTERS BLOG HERE: World Seagrass Day: Learn more about the wonders of this often overlooked ecosystem

Joining Hands for a Sustainable Future

Despite these growing environmental challenges, biodiversity can still recover through collective action and sustainable conservation efforts. Local communities in the Philippines have a huge role in maintaining biological diversity. How can we do this? For one, coastal communities that have been surrounded by mangrove forests for years should take the lead in reforestation and conservation. This sector should be at the frontline to resist any attempts that aim to destroy these vulnerable forests for corporate profit. But of course, communities cannot do mangrove reforestation by themselves; this sustainable conservation initiative requires collaborative efforts from the scientific community, environmental advocates, private sector, and even the government. 

Mangrove reforestation, however, should not be just a short-term effort but a lifelong commitment. Aside from planting the right species of mangroves in the right zones, it begins with consistent monitoring of each plant, ensuring they are free of diseases and parasites that hinder their growth and development. Mangroves should also be protected, especially at a young age, from the threats and risks posed by climate change.

Be one of us!

The Philippines is indeed a rich country in terms of biodiversity. Its vast flora and fauna sustained local communities all over the country for centuries. Through Mangrove Matters PH’s collaboration toward environmental conservation, we may not only celebrate International Day of Biological Diversity every 22nd of May but also live on its purpose every single day. Let us transform our passion and advocacies into meaningful actions that will benefit humankind and the environment we live in!