On 26 July, the world marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. The celebration is often accompanied by photographs of tangled roots, restoration campaigns, and discussions about blue carbon. These are important. Yet they risk overlooking a more fundamental truth: mangroves are not simply coastal forests, they are the ecological infrastructure that connects terrestrial and marine systems.

Every year on 26 July, the world marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem (World Mangrove Day), a global reminder of the vital role mangroves play in sustaining healthy, resilient coastal systems. Far more than trees growing along tropical shorelines, mangroves are living land–ocean buffers that protect communities from storms and coastal erosion, store significant amounts of blue carbon, support fisheries and biodiversity, and sustain the livelihoods of millions of people.

A new study published in Ocean and Coastal Management by CoastMan project members Ibrahim Issifu, Menelisi Falayi, Rashid Sumaila and CoastMan PI Terry Sunderland examines how mangrove ecosystems function as critical land-ocean buffers in West and East Africa. By evaluating mangroves in Ghana and Tanzania, the research provides a comparative analysis of blue carbon storage, coastal protection, and fisheries livelihoods, pointing to key regional trade-offs that can help guide future conservation investments.

A recent study published by many team members from the CoastMan project, including Falayi Menelisi, Dorothy Lukhabi, Linda Bana, Denis W. Aheto, Nandera Lolila, Hamidu Seki, Deo Shirima, Ibrahim Issifu, and Terry Sunderland, in Environmental Policy and Governance explores how overlapping local, national, and international policies affect mangrove conservation in Ghana, Tanzania Mainland, and Zanzibar. The research suggests that fragmented institutional mandates, conflicting sectoral policies, and unclear land rights complicate efforts to protect these important coastal ecosystems.

It's a choice many of us face every day: grab the convenient single-use plastic bottle or take a moment to fill up a reusable container? We intuitively feel one is better, but how much better? A comprehensive new study in the journal Sustainable Futures provides a definitive answer, and the results are crystal clear.

Researchers Ibrahim Issifu and U. Rashid Sumaila conducted a detailed "Life Cycle Assessment" (LCA) to compare the environmental and economic impacts of seven different types of beverage containers. This "cradle-to-grave" analysis examined everything from raw material extraction and manufacturing to transportation, use, and final disposal.

Thirty graduate students from Tanzania and Ghana have received scholarships through the Canadian International Development Scholarships 2030 (BCDI 2030) program to pursue advanced studies at the University of British Columbia (UBC). The selected scholars come from Sokoine University of Agriculture's National Carbon Monitoring Centre, Mkwawa University College of Education in Tanzania, and the University of Cape Coast in Ghana.

Image Credit Sara Leban/Adobe Stock

This February 2nd, we celebrate World Wetlands Day (WWD)-a call to recognize the irreplaceable role of wetlands in sustaining biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting livelihoods.

At CoastMan, we are committed to safeguarding mangrove ecosystems-nature’s frontline defense against coastal erosion, storm surges, and carbon emissions. From Ghana to Tanzania, our research highlights the immense blue carbon potential of mangroves in mitigating climate change and supporting local communities.

Did you know?​

🌱 Mangroves store up to 10x more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests!
🌊 They act as a natural buffer, protecting coastal communities from extreme weather events.
👥 Their conservation ensures sustainable fisheries and livelihoods for millions.

💡 Join us in taking action! Whether through policy advocacy, restoration efforts, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts in preserving these invaluable ecosystems.

🔗 Learn more about our work at https://coastmanafrica.org/ and let’s keep the momentum going for a resilient coastal future!

This paper assesses the environmental and economic consequences of plastic production, highlighting its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. It proposes a voluntary levy on major plastic producers to fund increased recycling and reduce production, modelling various participation scenarios to predict emission reductions. The study uses climate and economic models alongside game theory to evaluate the effectiveness of this policy intervention, considering both its environmental benefits and potential economic impacts. A fair allocation of levy costs is explored using cooperative game theory. Finally, the study concludes that a substantial reduction in plastic production is achievable through the proposed levy, with minimal negative economic consequences.

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We are delighted to share the success of the CoastMan In-Person Launch Workshop, which took place from December 8–13, 2024, at the beautiful Pemba Paradise Hotel in Zanzibar. This event officially marked the beginning of the CoastMan project, an initiative focused on co-developing a Decision Support System for managing coastal mangrove-based socio-ecological systems in Eastern and Western Africa.

Highlights of the Workshop​

The workshop brought together experts, stakeholders, and participants to collaborate and build strategies for sustainable mangrove conservation and management. Key activities included:

• Field Visit
  Participants explored a mangrove conservation site under the guidance of experts, gaining valuable insights into conservation efforts and challenges.

• Collaborations

  • Introductions to project partners.

  • Updates on project management strategies.

  • Cross-country coordination for seamless implementation.

• Presentations
  Detailed discussions on the progress and plans for 2025, covering topics such as mapping, governance, policy development, media strategies, and the Decision Support System (DSS).

• Capacity Building
  Training sessions were conducted, and case study sites were selected to enhance local expertise and capabilities.

• Scholarship Programs
  Custom-designed training and research opportunities for graduate students were discussed to ensure a strong foundation for future conservation leaders.

Workshop Schedule​

• Field Visit

  • Date: December 9

  • Time: 8:00–11:00 AM

  • Location: Mangrove Conservation Site

• Opening Ceremony & Agenda Overview: December 10

• Interactive Sessions & Capacity Building: December 11

• Scholarship Initiatives: December 12

Logistics​

Participants were provided with daily meals, accommodations, and transportation for the field visits, ensuring a comfortable and productive workshop experience.

Moving Forward​

The CoastMan Launch Workshop represents a significant step in fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable solutions for managing mangrove-based socio-ecological systems across Africa.

Stay tuned for updates and future developments on our website.

Africa stands at a pivotal moment where its decisions could profoundly influence the trajectory of the industry and the preservation of marine ecosystems.

Deep-sea mining, an industry with significant financial potential, is currently under negotiation for rules and regulations at the International Seabed Authority (ISA). African countries play a crucial role in shaping the future of this industry and its impact on ocean health.