Mangroves, which thrive in tropical and subtropical coastal intertidal zones, are essential for storm protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. However, according to statistics released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 2024, 50% of the world's mangrove ecosystems face the risk of collapse, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened conservation and restoration efforts.
On March 12, 2025, the Director General Prof. Bao Daming and the Interim Secretariat of the International Mangrove Center (IMC), and the Director General Xu Songming of the Planning and Natural Resources Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality participated in the mangrove planting activities in the Futian Mangrove Nature Reserve, Guangdong, China. Covering 367.64 hectares, this reserve was designated as a “Wetland of International Importance” under the Ramsar Convention on February 2, 2023. Dedicated to the conservation of mangroves and bird species, the reserve plays a vital role in the Shenzhen Bay wetland ecosystem alongside Hong Kong’s Mai Po Reserve, serving as a key habitat for migratory birds.
The mangrove planting activities align with the "Returning Ponds to Wetlands" ecological restoration concept, aiming to restore native mangrove ecosystems and improve the ecological functions of wetlands. The activities also aim to increase public awareness of the importance of mangroves and encouraged greater community engagement in mangrove conservation and restoration.
The IMC is the world’s first independent, non-profit, intergovernmental organization in Mangrove conservation and restoration, which dedicates to promote international cooperation and joint actions in mangrove conservation, restoration, and wise and sustainable use, as well as to strengthen the implementation of RAMSAR Convention, and other relevant environmental commitments.