Distribution of Biophysical Feasibility of Mangrove Reforestation in China and Southeast Asia

The spatially-explicit opportunities map for mangrove reforestation in China and Southeast Asia, a global hotspot of mangrove loss, used long-term satellite observations and a habitat suitability assessment. Extensive mangrove losses occurred in the region (165,079 ha), primarily caused by aquaculture expansion. Our results identify approximately 60% of the lost mangrove areas as biophysical feasibility for reforestation, primarily along the eastern coastlines of Indonesia. Mangroves reforestation in these areas could provide a climate change mitigation benefit of 26-28 Mt C.