The International Mangrove Center officially commenced its operations in Shenzhen, holding its inaugural meeting on Saturday. This launch marked the transition of a global initiative into a permanent international organization specializing in the conservation and cooperation regarding mangrove ecosystems. The event coincided with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems.
History of the Center's Creation
Initially, China proposed the idea of the International Mangrove Center at the 14th meeting of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Conference of the Parties (COP14) in 2022. After the foundational agreement came into force in June of this year, the center became a fully operational international institution.
Geography and Cooperation
The Center unites eight member states and thirteen signatory countries, covering some of the world's most significant mangrove ecosystems in Asia, Africa, and America. Mangroves are considered among the planet's most valuable coastal ecosystems because they play a critical role in protecting coastlines, maintaining biodiversity, and increasing resilience to climate change.
China's Future Plans
Chinese authorities have stated their intention to continue promoting mangrove conservation by strengthening legal protection, conducting large-scale ecological rehabilitation, and deepening international cooperation. The new center is intended to become a global hub for scientific research, capacity building, and joint policy development.
