Hainan aims to expand mangrove coverage by 2025

As China's mangrove hub, Hainan boasts the country's most extensive, well-developed and ancient mangrove forests. The province in south China is home to all 26 of China's native mangrove species, with over half being indigenous to the island.

Mangrove wetlands are ecologically vital coastal ecosystems that play a crucial role in water purification, wind and erosion mitigation, shoreline stabilization, sediment accumulation, microclimate regulation, and marine biodiversity conservation.

To date, Hainan has established 14 designated mangrove conservation zones, placing 73 percent of its existing mangroves under formal protection. Moving forward, the province will focus on natural regeneration, supported by targeted artificial restoration, to enhance the ecological diversity, stability, and long-term resilience of its mangrove ecosystems. By the end of 2025, Hainan aims to add 2,000 hectares of new mangrove areas, roughly totaling 2801 soccer fields.