Wetlands, like mangroves, are disappearing 3x faster than forests. They are critical ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, and world economies. In just 50 years — since 1970 — 35% of the world’s wetlands have been destroyed. In celebration of #WorldWetlandsDay today and to combat habitat loss, bahamasnationaltrust is leading efforts to restore mangroves that were ravaged by Hurricane Dorian. Over 40,000 acres of mangrove ecosystems were damaged in The Bahamas by this catastrophic Category 5 hurricane. With support from students, fishers, and community members, these areas are beginning to come back. Once these habitats have fully recovered, mangroves act as natural buffers, shielding coastal communities during extreme weather events. The Bahamas National Trust continues to #ActforWetlands working to jumpstart this important collaboration in wetlands recovery. Photos: Zaria Dean, Bahamas National Trust