OVERVIEW

Coastal habitats, including mangrove forests, estuaries and seagrass meadows, are vital to the health and well being of ecosystems, wildlife and humans. Home to remarkable biodiversity and productivity, these delicate coastal environments where land meets the sea purify water and provide the natural habitat and nursery areas for a multitude of economically important species. Left intact, coastal habitats serve as the first defense against the devastation of major storms and tsunamis.

Nearly two-thirds of the world's population is concentrated in coastal habitats. Consequently, these fragile and valuable settings are severely threatened by pollution, over-exploitation, human- wildlife conflicts and development.

Wildlife Trust, through our Edge of the Sea aquatic conservation program, is one of the few conservation organizations that focuses on this critical ecosystem.