July 27, 2022

In ‘Commentary: From fighting climate change to illnesses — why mangroves are worth celebrating’ (Today, July 2022), Associate Professor Daniel Friess (NUS Geography and Deputy Director of the NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions) discusses ten reasons to celebrate mangroves for International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July. He notes that while land reclamation and freshwater reservoir construction have caused mangroves to decline during the past 70 years, Singapore’s mangroves, which cover 8.1 sq km, remain a key resource in addressing the climate emergency.

A/P Friess explains that mangroves can tolerate floods, heavy waves, and water with high salinity. They also provide home to a large and varied selection of land and water dwelling animals. In addition, they support our livelihoods, and in Singapore can be valued at US$46.2 million annually. Mangroves also produce compounds with pharmaceutical use, store atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions, protect against storms, and assist in adapting to rising seas.

Read more about the many benefits of mangroves here.

Visit The Mangrove Lab, NUS led by A/P Friess here.

Visit the NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions here.