Championing Mangrove Conservation: DP World’s Commitment to Ecological Sustainability

Mangrove restoration helps bolster biodiversity and climate defense through environmental stewardship.

At DP World, environmental stewardship is a core pillar of our sustainability strategy, and our commitment to mangrove restoration is a clear example of this dedication. While the UNESCO International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26 serves as a reminder of their importance, at DP World, we celebrate mangroves and their vital role year-round.

Mangroves: Guardians of Biodiversity and Climate Resilience

Mangroves, with their sprawling salt-tolerant trees and shrubs, thrive in tropical and subtropical coastal areas where the ocean meets the land. These ecosystems, though covering only a fraction of global forests, are powerhouses of biodiversity and ecological stability. They protect coastlines from storms, mitigate erosion, support marine life, and, perhaps most critically, serve as some of the most efficient natural carbon sinks on the planet.

Studies show that mangroves sequester up to five times more carbon than tropical rainforests (United Nations). This unique capacity underscores their role in the fight against climate change, as they store carbon that would otherwise enter our atmosphere. Yet, despite their vital importance, mangroves are disappearing at an alarming rate—three to five times faster than other forests globally.

DP World’s Global Mangrove Conservation Efforts

Understanding the irreplaceable value of mangroves, DP World has made their protection a key focus in our “Our World, Our Future” sustainability plan. Our Mangrove Forest Project aligns with two of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically 13: Climate Action and 14: Life Below Water. Respectively, these call for urgent action to be taken to combat climate change and its impacts, and for the sustainable use and conservation of the oceans and marine resources.

Through concerted action, we are working globally to safeguard and restore these critical ecosystems.

A Case Study in Action: Puná Island & El Morro, Ecuador

In the Americas, DP World has turned its attention to the rapidly vanishing mangrove ecosystems on the coastlines of South America, particularly on Puná Island and in El Morro, Posorja in Ecuador. Over the past 40 years, this island in particular has experienced drastic losses—nearly 75% of its salt flats and over a quarter of its mangrove wetlands have disappeared.

In response, DP World partnered with the CALISUR Foundation in 2017 to launch the “Sembrando Vida” (Sowing Life) program. This initiative has already planted over 230,000 mangrove seedlings across 105 hectares of wetlands, stabilizing coastal lands and protecting them from erosion. Additionally, 16,000 red mangrove are planned to be planted by 2024.

More importantly, protecting the mangroves has not only promoted marine biodiversity conservation but has also protected local communities. In fact, the project has supported the livelihoods of more than 400 communal families who rely upon the mangroves for the artisanal fishing and tourism that they provide.

Recognition and Impact

Our mangrove conservation efforts have garnered significant recognition. In 2022, DP World Posorja received first place in the Climate and Energy category at the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) awards for its work under the “Sembrando Vida” initiative.

Looking Forward: A Sustainable Future

At DP World, we understand that the future of our planet depends on the actions we take today. Our commitment to mangrove conservation is more than an environmental initiative—it’s a critical investment in a sustainable future. By restoring these ecosystems, we are not only fighting climate change but also safeguarding livelihoods, protecting marine life, and strengthening our coastal defenses.

As we continue our efforts, we recognize that collaboration is key. Through partnerships with local communities, environmental organizations, and international bodies, we are amplifying the impact of our work and ensuring that mangroves—and the vital services they provide—are preserved for generations to come.

Together, we can build a world where businesses thrive alongside nature, where ecological sustainability is at the heart of global development, and where future generations inherit a healthier planet. Let’s champion mangrove conservation today, for a better tomorrow.