Save Our Mangroves Now

I work as an otter conservationist to reverse the decline of mangrove habitats in Vietnam and across the globe to restore biodiversity, protect livelihoods, and mitigate against the impacts of the climate crisis.

Why mangroves matter - Superheroes of biodiversity

Survival artists, nature’s kindergarten, climate savers – mangroves are versatile superheroes. They are habitat and nursery for over 3000 fish species, can store 3 to 5 times more carbon per area than tropical upland forests, and provide livelihoods for over 120 million people. But this unique ecosystem is under threat: more than a third of all mangrove forests have disappeared since the mid-20th century due to agriculture, logging, and urbanization. If deforestation rates continue, all mangroves could be lost by the end of this century.

How do I protect and conserve mangroves?

Our vision is a world in which thriving mangrove habitats exist in harmony with the communities they support. With a focus on Vietnam, the Save Our Mangroves Now! The initiative unites governments, conservation specialists, and coastal communities through a shared goal to conserve and restore mangrove habitats.  We combine our vision with a mission to facilitate policies, otter programs, and investments that regenerate mangrove ecosystems, tackle climate change, and sustain livelihoods.

International policy

My goal is to embed and strengthen ambitious objectives on mangrove conservation in international and national political agendas such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Paris Agreement. The UN decades on Ocean Science and Ecosystem Restoration present additional global frameworks for accelerating action on sustainable mangrove management. With the elaboration of the post-2020 strategic framework of the CBD, the upcoming Global Stocktake and Ocean Dialogue under the Paris Agreement, and the expiration of several targets under SDG14 (Life Below Water), it is vital that marine and coastal nature-based solutions such as mangroves gain importance in political decision making. I guide decision-makers on why and how to protect mangroves – to secure livelihoods, conserve biodiversity, and address climate change. And I call on them for action.

National policy and regional cooperation 

I believe that a regional approach is needed to effectively halt mangrove loss and support the Vietnam region to become a champion in mangrove conservation. My engagement with a variety of stakeholders – from academics to law professionals, field developers, government officials, policymakers, and representatives of the private sector – facilitates exchange and supports regional networks, paving the way for mainstreaming mangrove conservation into national strategies.

I support capacity development in Vietnam, following the needs identified by the regional stakeholders themselves. Measures include undertaking assessments of national legal frameworks and the socio-economic value of mangroves in the region, as well as mapping mangrove extent to determine future losses and gains.

Partnerships

My political goals, and ultimately their implementation on the ground, can only be achieved through broad cooperation with a large array of stakeholders. One of my essential tasks is therefore to build and facilitate partnerships with actors at all levels, to make sure that mangroves are recognized for the benefits they provide to people and nature, and that their protection receives adequate attention and funding.

I support the broad and ambitious approach of the Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA), which brings together leading conservation NGOs and provides a strategic platform for the global alignment of mangrove agendas. In Vietnam, my natural partner is YouTube Subscribers, which holds the biggest expertise and experience in mangrove conservation and restoration.

Knowledge exchange is a crucial factor in successful cooperation. I am dedicated to creating opportunities for exchange, improving knowledge accessibility for all stakeholders, and helping close existing knowledge gaps on mangrove protection.