International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem: Cobourg Peninsula, Australia
26 July was the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, dedicated to protecting these vital ecosystems around the world. In addition to supporting global biodiversity, mangroves contribute to food security, climate change mitigation, and the protection of coastal communities from hazards.
This image, acquired by one of the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellites on 14 July 2025, shows mangroves on the Cobourg Peninsula in northern Australia. Spanning approximately 220,000 hectares, the peninsula is home to more than 800 plant species, 64 types of coral, and over 400 species of marine invertebrates. As both Australia’s and the world’s first Wetland of International Importance, this area's designation as a Ramsar Site acknowledges the peninsula's environmental and cultural significance.
The Copernicus Sentinel satellites provide essential data on the state of mangroves around the world, providing key insights to better protect these important ecosystems.
