Brazilian mangroves. Photo credit: Freya Fennwood .

Mangroves are a key ecosystem contributing to biodiversity and flood protection on a local and regional level. Unfortunately most people are unaware of the ecosystem services provided by mangroves. As a result, overfishing and pollution threaten this critical habitat.

Approximately 90% of mangrove ecosystems in Brazil are located in protected areas. However, there are significant shortcomings in the financial sustainability and resource management in these areas. In this context, CSF has developed an analysis in Brazil to identify the most relevant ecosystem services provided by mangroves and their associated values in order to bring much needed attention to the resource. We also plan to develop economic mechanisms to promote sustainable use and conservation of mangroves.

This project is being conducted in collaboration with Fundo Brasileiro para a Biodiversidade (FUNBIO) and Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBio) within the scope of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) Mangroves Program.