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Coastal mangrove forests, vital ecosystems found across the globe, are experiencing an encouraging resurgence following decades of significant degradation. These unique swampy trees, which offer crucial protection to millions of inhabitants from severe weather events and absorb substantial quantities of greenhouse gases, had been in rapid decline due to extensive clearing for aquaculture and residential development.

However, recent scientific investigations reveal a remarkable reversal of this trend. Since 2010, the planet has consistently seen a net gain in mangrove coverage, rather than further losses. This positive shift is largely attributable to the implementation of stronger legal safeguards and a heightened public understanding of the indispensable role these forests play. Catastrophic natural disasters, such as the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, significantly contributed to this change in perspective, highlighting to coastal communities the critical importance of these natural barriers.

Mangroves are truly underestimated environmental assets. Their extraordinary capacity to sequester carbon dioxide at a rate up to five times greater than that of terrestrial forests is fundamental in global efforts to mitigate climate change. Furthermore, their dense, interwoven root systems are highly effective at dissipating wave energy, thereby providing essential defence for coastal populations against destructive storm surges and tsunamis. These complex root structures also form an ideal habitat, offering shelter and abundant food sources for a diverse array of fish species and other marine organisms, serving as crucial nurseries.

Historically, these profound environmental contributions were largely overlooked. Between the 1980s and 2010, an estimated 12,000 square kilometres of mangroves – an area comparable to the size of Jamaica – were eradicated across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This extensive destruction was primarily driven by the expansion of commercial fish farming, agricultural practices, and unchecked urban expansion along shorelines.

Fortunately, contemporary research indicates a clear and sustained reversal of this concerning trajectory, particularly over the past decade. The overall net losses of mangrove forests recorded since the 1980s have been substantially reduced. While deliberate restoration initiatives have played a part, scientists underscore that the primary driver of this recovery is the remarkable inherent ability of these forests to regenerate naturally once human interference, such as logging, ceases. This spontaneous expansion has led to the stabilisation of forest levels in nations like Indonesia and even promoted growth in Myanmar. The 2004 tsunami, for example, vividly illustrated how mangrove-rich islands in Indonesia were better shielded from its impact, prompting a shift in local attitudes and a reduction in their removal for fish farms. Similarly, public perception in Myanmar transformed after Cyclone Nargis in 2008.

1. What is the main topic of the article?

• A.The history of mangrove destruction worldwide.
• B.The unexpected global recovery of mangrove forests.
• C.The ecological benefits provided by mangroves to coastal areas.
• D.The effectiveness of legal protections in environmental conservation.

2. According to the article, what was a primary cause for the rapid decline of mangrove forests before 2010?

• A.Increasing global temperatures.
• B.More frequent and severe storm activity.
• C.The clearing of land for fish farms and housing.
• D.Large-scale natural disasters like tsunamis.

3. What can be inferred from the article about the role of restoration efforts in the mangrove comeback?

• A.They have contributed to the recovery, but natural regeneration is the more significant factor.
• B.They are the most crucial reason for the increase in mangrove coverage.
• C.Their impact has been largely ineffective in reversing the decline.
• D.The article does not provide enough information to assess their effectiveness.

4. What is the author’s attitude towards the current trend in mangrove forest changes?

• A.Slightly pessimistic about the long-term outlook.
• B.Mainly neutral, presenting facts without much emotion.
• C.Critical of the slow pace of recovery efforts.
• D.Optimistic and encouraged by the positive developments.

5. In paragraph 3, the word ‘sequester’ is closest in meaning to:

• A.release
• B.store
• C.transform
• D.produce