despite the mounting evidence supporting the many benefits of mangroves, they remain one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet.
United Nations (ANTARA News) - Mangroves are being destroyed three to five times faster than the average rate of forests loss, causing emissions which cost billions of dollars annually, according to a new report launched by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Monday.

"Mangroves are also threatened by climate change, which could result in a further loss of 10 to 15 percent of mangroves by the year 2100," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here, quoting the new UNEP report.

Mangroves are found in 123 countries and more than 100 million people worldwide live within 10 kilometers of large mangrove forests, allowing them access to fisheries, clean water, and protection from erosion and extreme weather events, among other benefits.

"The new report says that despite the mounting evidence supporting the many benefits of mangroves, they remain one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet," he said, according to Xinhua.

(C003)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2014