The International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) is an NPO that works to conserve mangrove ecosystems and to raise awareness of their importance. According to its website, it has carried out conservation activities in about 20 countries over the past 30 years.
Among its current projects, in Sabah, Malaysia it is restoring degraded or illegally logged mangrove forests in cooperation with the forestry department and others. In Gujarat, India it plants mangroves to reduce the erosion of villages by waves, and in the Republic of Kiribati it plants with local residents to ease coastal erosion caused by sea-level rise. A new project in Mauritius also began in 2022.
The site also explains that mangroves are "cradles of life" that nurture many creatures, that they act as "blue carbon" storing large amounts of carbon, and that they help dampen tsunamis and high waves. As of February 2025, ISME reports more than 1,300 individual members and 49 organizations in 94 countries and regions, and it publishes newsletters and books. The latest announcement on its website is dated May 28, 2026.
Key points
- Conservation and restoration of mangroves in about 20 countries over 30 years
- Planting with local residents in Malaysia, India, Kiribati and other places
- Clear explanations of mangrove topics such as blue carbon and disaster protection
Why this organization's work stands out
A consistent view runs through its work: protecting mangroves protects not only diverse wildlife but also the livelihoods of people living along the coast. Its activities look at both global challenges such as climate change and sea-level rise, and local lives.
Explanations based on survey data and the publication of technical reports show an effort to share knowledge widely, which makes it a useful reference. Support from members around the world is also a distinctive feature.
Editor's comment
Learning that mangroves, which we rarely think about, are connected to wildlife, coastal livelihoods and even global warming changed the way I see them.
Projects in each country and how to join are introduced on the official website. Please take a look.