Investing in Mangroves 2025

Images: Getty Images Disclaimer This document is published by the World Economic Forum as a contribution to a project, insight area or interaction. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed herein are a result of a collaborative process facilitated and endorsed by the World Economic Forum but whose results do not necessarily represent the views of the World Economic Forum, nor the entirety of its Members, Partners or other stakeholders. © 2025 World Economic Forum. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system.Contents Preface 3 Preface 4 Executive summary 5 1 Introduction: using this Playbook 6 2 Mangroves offer a powerful solution for the climate, nature and social crises 8 1.1 The case for mangroves 8 1.2 Challenges remain in capturing the full potential benefits offered by mangroves 11 1.3 Governments should create enabling conditions that invite high-quality investment 13 1.4 Nexus approach: harnessing corporate action to deliver on people, nature, 14 climate and business goals 3 Mapping systemic interactions to inform decisions and improve opportunities 15 2.1 System Map for mangrove-positive corporate engagement 15 2.2 Mapping the system ensures opportunities and trade-offs are identified 19 from the start 2.3 Four Avenues for corporate mangrove-positive action 20 2.4 Tools for corporate engagement 28 4 Enabling high-quality corporate action 29 3.1 Successful project-level engagement places people at the core 29 3.2 Multi-stakeholder collaboration unlocks more and better engagement opportunities 30 3.3 Sustainable mangrove investments ensure local communities are incentivized 30 3.4 Jurisdictional and landscape approaches maximize the value of interventions 31 3.5 Corporate coalitions improve market access to viable 32 mangrove-positive investments 3.6 Overview of the process to develop high-quality projects 33 5 Key takeaways for successful corporate investment in mangroves 35 4.1 Embedding key elements in mangrove-positive action leads 36 to higher value and lower risk 4.2 Corporate leadership is required to bring the benefits of mangroves to life 36 Conclusion 37 Contributors 38 Endnotes 40 Investing in Mangroves: The Corporate Playbook 2