Mangroves are cheaper than flood protection structures

Mangroves act as a physical shield and a sponge to soak up floodwaters. The land around mangroves can gain up to 10mm of elevation a year outpacing sea level rises. Restoring mangrove forests is 2 to 5 times cheaper than building engineered structures that protect from sea level rise and storm surges. Further, mangrove forests provide more than $80 billion per year in avoided losses from coastal flooding and protect 18 million people. They also contribute nearly as much in non-market benefits associated with fisheries, forestry, and recreation.

Global Commission of Adaptation (2019) Adapt Now: A Global Call for Leadership on Climate Resilience

Image: West End Ferry Terminal, 2011. Credit: Gillian Vann.