Researchers from the University of Cambridge and the nonprofit organization The Nature Conservancy have published the first global map of Earth's marshes. This is a significant achievement in ecosystem mapping and will enable countries to better understand the extent of marsh habitats along their coastlines and identify opportunities for conservation and restoration. Tidal marshes, considered 'blue carbon' ecosystems, are vital for human well-being, climate, and biodiversity, yet they have often been underestimated.
The global map highlights that the Atlantic coasts of North America and Northern Europe are the global epicenters of tidal marshes, harboring 45% of the total. However, due to deforestation and drainage, tidal marsh areas have become rare, covering only 53,000 km2 globally. In comparison, mangroves cover nearly three times the area. The protection of remaining tidal marshes is of critical importance for conserving 'blue carbon' ecosystems and mitigating climate change.
Researchers hope that the global map of tidal marshes will stimulate increased interest in the conservation of these ecosystems and serve as a baseline for measuring future changes. Additional associated projects, such as a global model of carbon storage in tidal marshes and a global model of their importance in protecting people and infrastructure from flooding, are underway. These projects will contribute to a better understanding of tidal marshes in the global carbon cycle and address the risks of further loss, incorporating these critical ecosystems into broader discussions on climate mitigation.
Source: Nature