China adds more than 9,200 hectares of new mangrove forests

China’s mangrove forests have continued to expand, reaching 31,700 hectares as the country strengthens efforts to restore coastal ecosystems, improve biodiversity protection and enhance natural climate resilience, as reported by CGTN, a TV BRICS partner.

The latest figures were released by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) on 26 July, marking the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. The data is based on the results of the 2025 national land survey, which tracks the country’s land resources at the end of each year.

Over the past year, China increased its mangrove coverage by approximately 1,400 hectares, representing growth of around 4.6 per cent. The continued expansion places China among the countries where mangrove ecosystems are showing sustained growth rather than decline.

Between 2020 and 2025, China added more than 9,200 hectares of new mangrove forests, surpassing the target of 9,050 hectares established under a five-year conservation action plan launched in 2020.

The Ministry of Natural Resources said a new action plan covering 2026–2030 is being prepared to set further goals for mangrove protection and restoration, with local authorities expected to continue strengthening conservation measures.

Official data shows that China’s mangrove area has increased by around 44 per cent since the beginning of the 21st century. Alongside the expansion of forest coverage, authorities reported improvements in ecosystem quality, stability and carbon sequestration capacity.

More than 90 per cent of China’s mangrove forests are now included within the country’s ecological conservation redline system, providing enhanced protection for these coastal ecosystems.

Mangroves play a vital role in protecting shorelines, supporting marine biodiversity, storing carbon and improving resilience against climate-related impacts. Chinese authorities said efforts are also focused on developing ways to unlock the ecological value of mangrove ecosystems while ensuring sustainable environmental and social benefits.