by Kumba Sonko
In today's rapidly changing environment, young people are playing an increasingly pivotal role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters. Among various initiatives, mangrove restoration stands out as a crucial strategy for enhancing disaster resilience while simultaneously promoting biodiversity and mitigating climate change effects.
Mangroves are unique coastal ecosystems found at the interface between land and sea, characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs. They play a vital role in protecting coastlines from erosion, reducing the impact of storm surges, and serving as critical habitats for diverse marine life. Beyond their ecological significance, mangroves provide economic benefits through fisheries, tourism, and carbon sequestration.
Youth-led organizations are at the forefront of raising awareness about the significance of mangrove restoration in disaster risk reduction within their communities. These efforts often involve community meetings, seminars, and hands-on mangrove planting exercises, fostering learning, active participation, and a sense of ownership and responsibility among young people.
A prime example is the impactful work of the African Youth Leadership Hub (AYLH) in partnership with UN Volunteers and other governmental and non-governmental organizations. This collaboration has successfully exposed young people to the importance of mangrove restoration, inspiring greater involvement in environmental protection.
In a recent interview, Omar Mboob, the National Coordinator for AYLH in The Gambia, highlighted the critical role of youth engagement in disaster risk reduction (DRR) through mangrove restoration. As the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation intensify, Mboob emphasized the necessity of involving the younger generation in sustainable practices to mitigate these challenges.
However, despite the considerable potential of youth engagement, significant challenges remain. Mboob noted that post-restoration destruction—whether intentional or unintentional—poses a major threat. This underscores the urgent need to increase awareness of the ecological and socio-economic benefits of mangroves. Furthermore, while many young people engage in online discussions about environmental issues, hands-on participation in restoration projects remains low.
Mboob’s insights underscore the importance of integrating youth into disaster risk reduction strategies, particularly through mangrove restoration. As guardians of the environment and leaders of change, young people have the potential to make significant contributions to their communities and the planet.
TNC scientists and partners at the Environmental Hydraulics Institute IH Cantabria have produced a ranking of countries that receive the greatest risk reduction benefits from mangroves relative to their vulnerability. The Global Value of Mangroves for Risk Reduction—available in both a summary and a technical report—uses rigorous hydrodynamic and economic models to evaluate the coastal flood protection services of mangroves globally. The study identifies the places where mangroves provide the most benefits to people and property. This approach, commonly used in engineering and insurance sectors, quantifies the protection benefits of mangroves as the amount of flood damage avoided due to their presence.
Key findings from this research include:
Mangroves reduce annual flooding for more than 18 million people.
Without mangroves, 39% more people would be flooded annually, and flood damages would increase by over 16%, amounting to US$82 billion annually.
Vietnam, India, Bangladesh, China, and the Philippines receive the greatest benefits from mangroves in terms of avoided flooding.
China, the USA, India, Mexico, and Vietnam receive the greatest benefits in terms of reduced annual flood damage to property.
The countries that receive the greatest overall risk reduction benefits from mangroves are Guinea, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Madagascar.
The active involvement of youth in mangrove restoration initiatives is not only an environmental conservation strategy but also a transformative approach to disaster risk reduction. Supporting these efforts through education, funding, and policy advocacy is imperative. By placing youth at the forefront of mangrove restoration, we build a more resilient future—one where communities are empowered, ecosystems are restored, and the impacts of climate change are mitigated. Investing in youth-led initiatives will yield long-term benefits for both the planet and society.
In a world increasingly shaped by environmental challenges, the call for youth activism in sustainable practices remains urgent. Initiatives like those promoted by AYLH serve as a model for empowering young people and reinforcing the critical need for disaster risk reduction through ecological restoration.
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