The delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in China recently visited the Secretariat of the International Mangrove Center (IMC). The two sides held discussions on mangrove conservation, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Both expressed their willingness to strengthen exchanges and cooperation and better align mangrove conservation and restoration efforts with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
During the visit, IMC representatives provided an overview of the IMC's establishment, governance structure, and development. They highlighted progress in international exchanges, scientific research, technical cooperation, and capacity building as the IMC enters a new phase of operations. Dr. Weidong Zhang, Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP China, spoke positively of the IMC's development. He noted that the IMC's signatory States now span major mangrove regions around the world. With the Establishment Agreement of the IMC having entered into force, the IMC continues to expand its cooperation network, strengthen its international presence, and enhance its role as a global platform for mangrove conservation.
As vital ecosystems connecting land and sea, mangroves play an essential role in carbon sequestration, coastal resilience, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. These functions closely align with UNDP's work on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing climate action. Mangrove conservation and restoration contribute not only to ecosystem conservation but also to progress towards multiple SDGs, particularly Climate Action (SDG 13), Life Below Water (SDG 14), Life on Land (SDG 15), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).