The Hidden Potential of Africa’s Mangrove Ecosystems in Combating Climate Change

Africa’s mangrove forests spanning thousands of kilometers along its coastlines are unsung climate heroes, quietly capturing carbon at rates far greater than tropical rainforests.

Africa’s mangrove forests stretching along the coastlines of countries like Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Tanzania are some of the most underappreciated ecosystems in the fight against climate change. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), these blue carbon habitats store carbon up to four times more efficiently than terrestrial forests, while also providing crucial support to biodiversity and coastal communities.

Mangroves cover approximately 3.2 million hectares across the continent, with the largest expanses found in Nigeria, Mozambique, and Madagascar. Yet, despite their immense potential, African mangroves remain vulnerable to deforestation, pollution, and poor management. This article explores the critical role of mangroves in combating climate change, the threats they face, and the urgent need for sustainable management.

Mangroves and Carbon Sequestration Mangroves are frequently called a “nature based solution” a phrase commonly associated with addressing the climate crisis. A nature based solution utilizes the strengths that are already present in nature to lessen or adapt to the effects of change. They are carbon sequestration powerhouses, trapping vast amounts of CO2 in their soils and biomass. Studies, including those published in the journal Nature Climate Change, show that mangroves can store up to 1,000 tons of carbon per hectare, far surpassing most land based forests.

In Africa, the mangroves along the Niger Delta, Tana River Delta, and Rufiji Delta play a key role in mitigating global greenhouse gas emissions. However, these ecosystems are rarely prioritized in international climate strategies, leaving their potential largely untapped.

Community Reliance and Local Economies For coastal communities, mangroves are more than just forests. They serve as natural barriers against storm surges and flooding, protect fisheries, and provide timber and other resources. In many African countries, mangroves are integral to local economies and food security. For example, in Mozambique, the village of Quirimbas depends heavily on mangrove fisheries for both food and income, with nearly 60% of the local population engaged in activities supported by mangroves. However, the degradation of these ecosystems increases their vulnerability to climate change, creating a cycle of poverty and environmental loss.

Threats to Africa’s Mangroves: Mangroves in Africa face a range of threats, including;

• Deforestation: Driven by urbanization, agriculture, and aquaculture. For instance, shrimp farming in Tanzania has had negative impacts on mangroves, including deforestation, habitat loss, and pollution.
• Pollution: Oil spills in the Niger Delta have destroyed vast mangrove areas. This devastation has led to a decline in fish populations, impacting food security and livelihoods for local communities.
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels and changes in salinity are impacting mangrove health and regeneration. In Senegal, persistent droughts associated with climate change have led to a nearly 40 percent reduction in the country’s mangrove forests since the 1970s. This loss has resulted in increased coastal erosion and diminished agricultural productivity for communities dependent on mangroves for their survival.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for conservation and restoration efforts to protect Africa’s mangroves.

The Role of Indigenous Knowledge Indigenous communities along Africa’s coastlines have a long history of managing mangrove ecosystems sustainably, demonstrating practices that modern conservation efforts can learn from and integrate. For centuries, these communities have understood the delicate balance required to maintain mangrove health while meeting their economic and subsistence needs.

One such practice is rotational harvesting, where specific areas of mangrove forests are designated for cutting while others are left untouched to regenerate. This ensures a continuous supply of resources without depleting the ecosystem. Additionally, traditional fishing methods, such as using sustainably sourced mangrove wood for fish traps, minimize environmental impact while supporting livelihoods.

In some regions, community-based monitoring systems have been implemented to prevent overharvesting and illegal logging. For instance, local leaders in Mozambique’s mangrove-rich areas have established informal patrols and reporting mechanisms to safeguard these ecosystems. By leveraging their deep knowledge of tidal patterns, species behavior, and soil conditions, these communities can identify early signs of ecosystem stress and act swiftly.

Moreover, indigenous cultural values often emphasize a spiritual connection to mangrove forests, treating them as sacred spaces that must be preserved. This cultural reverence serves as a natural deterrent to overexploitation. For example, in Kenya’s coastal regions, elders play a pivotal role in passing down oral histories and rituals tied to mangrove conservation, instilling a sense of responsibility in younger generations.

Modern conservation efforts can benefit from integrating these traditional practices with scientific approaches. Programs that involve local communities in mangrove restoration, such as Kenya’s Mikoko Pamoja project, not only achieve environmental goals but also empower communities economically. Mikoko Pamoja generates carbon credits by restoring and protecting mangroves, and the revenue from these credits is reinvested into local schools, clean water projects, and health initiatives, creating a win-win scenario for both people and the planet.

Calls to Action To unlock the potential of Africa’s mangroves, the following steps are essential:

• Funding Restoration Projects: Initiatives like Kenya’s Mikoko Pamoja project, which combines mangrove restoration with carbon credits, should be scaled up.
• Incorporating Mangroves into NDCs: African nations must prioritize mangrove conservation in their climate action plans under the Paris Agreement.
• Awareness and Advocacy: Highlighting the value of mangroves in climate discourse can drive greater international support and investment.

Africa’s mangroves hold immense promise in the fight against climate change, yet their potential remains underutilized. By protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems, we can not only sequester carbon but also safeguard livelihoods and biodiversity. It’s time for policymakers, NGOs, and the global community to recognize mangroves as a cornerstone of Africa’s climate resilience.

 Edited by: Muhammad Abdullahi Ibrahim