Mangroves are vital ecosystems to coastal countries, with the needs of improving technical capacity for effective mangrove conservation and restoration, the first Workshop on Mangrove Conservation and Restoration has successfully concluded in Guangdong and Hainan Province, China, from July 26 – August 8, 2024. Coinciding with the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the two-week workshop welcomed 23 government officials and conservation practitioners from 20 countries.
Through a combination of expert lectures, interactive case studies, and practical field training sessions, the workshop addressed the complex and urgent challenges facing mangrove ecosystems worldwide. It also covered a wide range of topics including an introduction to mangrove ecosystems and restoration techniques, innovative tools for sustainable restoration, biodiversity monitoring in mangrove habitats, and implementation of the Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Action Plan. The workshop was designed to provide participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical field-based skills.
One of the highlights of the workshop was the field visit to mangrove reserves and wetland parks in Shenzhen City and Hainan Province. These site visits enabled participants to observe ongoing conservation practices and engage in technical exchanges with local experts. The on-site discussions created valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, showcasing both successful case studies and practical lessons learned from different countries.
The workshop was hosted by the International Mangrove Center (IMC) and co-organized by the Guangdong Neilingding Futian National Nature Reserve Administration Bureau, and the National Academy of Forestry and Grassland Administration, bringing together resources and expertise at both national and local levels.
Through this workshop, the IMC reaffirmed its role as a global hub for technical exchange and knowledge-sharing in the field of mangrove conservation. The event also highlighted China’s significant achievements in mangrove conservation and restoration, demonstrating its contribution to global ecological governance and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, the insights and experiences gained from this workshop will continue to inspire global collaboration and enhance professional capacities. The IMC will build on this momentum to support collective action for mangrove ecosystem restoration, contributing to the goals of current and future global environmental commitments.
Capacity building is a central pillar of the IMC’s objective. This workshop reflects the IMC’s commitment to equipping stakeholders around the world with the technical skills, scientific knowledge, and collaborative platforms needed to address the current gaps in mangrove conservation expertise. These efforts align with broader international goals for ecological restoration and climate resilience.
