China has achieved its mangrove afforestation target set in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) ahead of schedule, establishing 9,200 hectares of new mangroves as of the end of June 2025, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Natural Resources.
This achievement marks a significant progress in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance mangrove conservation and protection. The total area of mangroves in China now reaches 30,300 hectares, an increase of about 38 percent since the beginning of the century.
Since 2012, China has implemented a series of proactive measures that have contributed to a steady growth in mangrove areas, making it one of the few countries globally with a net increase in mangrove coverage. The success not only represents a national achievement but also contributes to a global model for effective mangrove protection.
To support these efforts, China conducted a national survey on mangrove resources and suitable restoration areas, which led to the establishment of a specialized database. The first Wetland Protection Law includes specific provisions for mangrove protection, and the National Wetland Protection Plan (2022-2030) designates mangrove wetlands as a priority for conservation and restoration. Additionally, the Special Action Plan for the Conservation and Restoration of Mangrove Forests (2020-2025) has been initiated to promote the development of national and industry standards related to mangrove conservation.
China's accomplishments in mangrove protection have garnered international recognition. Since the establishment of the International Mangrove Center in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen last year, 19 countries have expressed interest in joining.
In parallel with these conservation efforts, regions across China are exploring ways to realize the economic value of ecological products, so as to achieve a balance between ecological and economic benefits. In Huizhou City, south China's Guangdong Province, local authorities have pioneered the trading of carbon credits from mangroves, resulting in the largest volume and highest value of mangrove carbon credit purchases in the country.
On May 1 this year, China's first technical group standards for the precise ecological restoration of mangroves was released and implemented, further improving the monitoring and evaluation system for mangroves.
China meets mangrove afforestation target of 14th Five-Year Plan ahead of schedule
