India, May 23 -- Mangrove ecosystems play crucial role in sequestering carbon, providing livelihoods and protecting populations from hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons

A recent global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has painted a grim picture for the world's mangrove forests. The analysis revealed that more than 50 per cent of these vital ecosystems are on the verge of collapse due to a combination of human activities and climate change.

Activities such as deforestation, development, pollution, and dam construction pose direct threats to mangrove ecosystems, the report said. Furthermore, climate change factors such as increased frequency of severe storms and sea-level rise place them at risk of ext...