30 Aug 2020

For most of us, mangroves may not seem like a likely target for investors. How could mangroves generate a financial return? Well, one real possibility is through the provision of ecosystem services, particularly carbon storage. As an IUCN report explains:

Mangroves provide valuable ecosystem services estimated to be worth about US$33,000–57,000 per hectare, and play an important role in climate change mitigation and adaptation…

Investing in mangroves can result in a number of environmental and social benefits. Some of these benefits can provide revenue back to investors, such as those engaged in fisheries, the carbon market or tourism.

If the prospect of making money from investing in mangrove carbon and other mangrove services is of interest, a good place to start is the Executive Summary of IUCN’s report on Increasing success and effectiveness of mangrove conservation investments. You will find a copy here.