The first global assessment of mangroves in over a decade reveals that rare and critically important mangrove forests continue to be lost at a rate three to four times higher than land-based global forests, despite positive restoration efforts by some countries. About one fifth of all mangroves are thought to have been lost since 1980. Although losses are slowing at 0.7% a year, the authors warn that any further destruction due to shrimp farming and coastal development will cause significant economic and ecological decline.