June 29 marks International Day of the Tropics, established by the United Nations in 2016 to celebrate the ecological diversity of tropical regions, assess regional progress, share tropical stories and wisdom, and rally global attention to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by tropical nations.Tropical areas, covering about 40 percent of the world's landmass, harbor nearly 80 percent of global biodiversity.
They boast 95 percent of the world's mangrove resources and 99 percent of mangrove-endemic species.
However, tropical forests and coral reefs now face severe threats from deforestation, ocean acidification, and climate change.Hainan continues to restore mangroves and protect endangered rare ancient tree populations.
/CMGHainan continues to restore mangroves and protect endangered rare ancient tree populations.
/CMGHainan continues to restore mangroves and protect endangered rare ancient tree populations.
/CMGHainan continues to restore mangroves and protect endangered rare ancient tree populations.
/CMGHainan continues to restore mangroves and protect endangered rare ancient tree populations.
/CMGHainan continues to restore mangroves and protect endangered rare ancient tree populations.
/CMGThis photo collection focuses on two themes – "Tropical Ecological Barriers" and "Tropical Climate Resilience" – and showcases conservation efforts across the globe.
Highlights include mangrove protection in Hainan, China, rare species in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, underwater "nurseries" in the Caribbean, and the Congo Basin rainforest.
These images reveal the immense value of tropical ecosystems and pathways to sustainable development, emphasizing the urgent need to safeguard these vital natural treasures for future generations.