This year, the day is celebrated under the theme "Wetlands and human well-being" to highlight how all aspects of human well-being (physical, mental and environmental) are linked to the health of the planet's wetlands. It shows just how interconnected wetlands and human life have become, and highlights the need for humane wetland management. 

To conserve mangroves as wetlands, it is essential to understand their utility and benefits. For humans, mangroves protect us from storms and floods, prevent landslides and protect coastlines; they provide jobs through fishing, tourism, traditional medicine and handicrafts. For nature, it's a habitat for fish, crabs and other marine species. Mangroves filter sediments, protect coral reefs and provide habitats for birds, bees, snakes and other terrestrial animals. 

In Madagascar, reforestation and landscape restoration projects are increasing in number. With this in mind, the national celebration in Ambatolampy Tsimahafotsy, Antananarivo, was marked by reforestation. For effective and sustainable reforestation, a number of steps need to be taken to ensure that community mangrove restoration actions are carried out properly. Discover this practical guide to community mangrove restoration: the case of the Tsiribihina delta. 

Of the world's 60 mangrove species, eight are found in Madagascar. Mangroves are medicinal plants, thanks to their benefits for nature. It's important to know the benefits of their stems, leaves and flowers.  

As a reminder, the RAMSAR convention defines wetlands as including all lakes and rivers, underground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet meadows, peat bogs, oases, estuaries, deltas and intertidal stretches, mangroves and other coastal areas, coral reefs and all artificial sites such as fishponds, rice paddies, reservoirs and salt marshes. 

To mark the day, take this quiz and test your knowledge of mangroves.