Sudan Joins International Mangrove Center, Opening New Chapter in African Wetland Conservation

On August 25, 2025, Sudan formally signed the Agreement on the Establishment of the International Mangrove Center, becoming its 20th member state. Sudan possesses approximately 1,200 square kilometers of mangrove forests along the Red Sea coast. These ecosystems not only provide spawning grounds for fish but also absorb carbon dioxide—with each hectare of mangrove forest sequestering 2.9 tons of carbon annually—serving as a “natural carbon sink” in the fight against climate change. However, excessive logging and seawater intrusion have already reduced Sudan’s mangrove area by 30%. This accession to the international center signifies African nations taking proactive steps in ecological conservation.