Mangrove forests: Their status, threats, conservation and restoration

Mangroves are a unique ecosystem that provide a wealth of ecosystem services, and hence societal goods and benefits for coastal populations. However, mangroves have long been deforested for human uses. This chapter synthesises knowledge on the benefits of mangroves, their historical and current status, the threats they face, and existing and emerging strategies for their conservation and restoration. Global mangrove loss has slowed substantially since the 1970s‐80s, although mangroves are still threatened by a range of anthropogenic and environmental stressors. Multiple conservation approaches exist, with recent interest in the use of carbon credits. Restoration is possible, but ambitious targets face substantial challenges in their implementation. Solving these challenges will make mangroves a conservation success story.