Why are coastal wetlands so important?

Coastal wetlands play a critical role in maintaining healthy coastal ecosystems and safer human communities. They act as natural buffers, absorbing and reducing the impact of storms and floods, and help to filter pollutants and improve water quality, which benefits both human and ecosystem health.

Conservation of these coastal wetlands—salt marshes, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests—supports a diverse range of plant and animal species, providing breeding, feeding, and nursery grounds for juvenile fish, including, The Pew Charitable Trusts emphasizes, “commercially important species such as groupers and snappers.”

“Coastal wetlands are also important for mitigating the effects of climate change because they sequester large amounts of carbon in the soil.”

And wetlands support numerous industries, such as fishing, tourism, and recreation, providing opportunities for outdoor play, education, and cultural heritage activities.

This introductory animation from The Pew Charitable Trusts prefaces their research about blue carbon and other benefits that come with protecting coastal wetlands and coral reefs.

For a deeper dive into these essential coastal ecosystems, watch the Pew video below: Nature-Based Solutions Can Play a Vital Role in Addressing Climate Change.

“Blue carbon ecosystems, including seagrasses, mangroves, and salt marshes, offer many opportunities for effective nature-based solutions to climate change. For Belize, Costa Rica and Seychelles, coastal wetlands help meet ambitious new pledges to reduce emissions as part of their commitments under the Paris Agreement.”

Watch these related natural climate solution videos next:
• Why are mangrove trees so important?
• Mangrove Forest: Coastal Erosion Mitigation
• Can oysters stop a flood?
• Mangroves + Oysters + Earthen Dikes = Eco Engineering
• How can nature be used as a tool to restore ecosystems?