Mangrove restoration has garnered significant global attention in recent years due to its immense capacity for carbon sequestration, role as a natural pollution sink, and provision of numerous ecological and economic benefits. As a key element of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ecosystem restoration is critical for addressing climate change, poverty alleviation, and biodiversity conservation.

Nature-based solutions—such as the conservation and restoration of blue carbon ecosystems—are increasingly recognized as effective strategies for achieving targets outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. Accordingly, many countries are actively developing or updating national plans for mangrove restoration to enhance the management, resilience, and sustainability of coastal ecosystems.

Mangrove restoration is a fast-evolving field, underpinned by robust commitments to coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate mitigation. However, while the benefits are many, large-scale mangrove restoration and reforestation efforts may also result in unintended and complex ecological consequences in coastal zones. These can include changes in sediment dynamics, carbon cycling, pollution levels, microbial functions, hydrological regimes, native species composition, and trophic interactions.

Understanding both the advantages and potential drawbacks of mangrove restoration is essential for designing effective and ecologically sound restoration strategies. This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for research that explores the multifaceted ecological consequences of mangrove restoration.

Topics of Interest

We welcome contributions on, but not limited to, the following topics:

• Trace Metals and Pollutant Dynamics in Restored Mangrove Ecosystems:

Bioavailability, accumulation, and risk assessment of metals and pollutants in sediments and biota within both natural and restored mangroves.

• Role of Mangrove Restoration in PAHs and Microplastics Trapping:

Fate and dynamics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), microplastics, and other pollutants in sediments and food webs of restored mangrove systems.

• Nutrient Cycling and Microbial Enzyme Activity Post-Restoration:

Transformations and dynamics of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur, with a focus on microbial processes following restoration.

• Impacts of Mangrove Restoration on Biodiversity Recovery:

Comparative studies on the recovery of plant, benthic fauna, fish, and bird diversity in restored versus natural mangrove habitats.

• Carbon Sequestration and Blue Carbon Potential in Restored Mangroves:

Evaluation of carbon stocks and sequestration efficiency in natural and restored mangrove ecosystems.

• Soil and Sediment Quality Following Mangrove Restoration:

Changes in heavy metal content, nutrient levels, organic carbon, and microbial community dynamics post-restoration.

• Restoration Success Based on Mangrove Species Selection and Zonation:

Influence of native versus non-native species on restoration outcome and ecological resilience.

• Hydrological and Geomorphological Changes After Mangrove Restoration:

Studies on sedimentation rates, erosion control, and alterations in tidal dynamics resulting from restoration initiatives.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Mangrove Restoration and Its Ecological Consequences

Topic Coordinator