Underwater forests: A challenge for humanity

Comparable to terrestrial forests, these ocean ecosystems shelter a remarkable biodiversity, providing refuge for fish, turtles, seabirds, mammals, and corals. Their role extends far beyond habitat: underwater forests produce part of the oxygen humanity breathes, store immense amounts of carbon-up to five times more than tropical forests of equal area-regulate the climate, protect coastlines from erosion and storms, and filter excess nutrients generated by human activity. Still largely unknown to the public, they are essential pillars of life on Earth.

Since 2023, UNESCO has undertaken a series of 1 OCEAN missions to document these ecosystems and reveal their crucial role for planetary balance. Each expedition sheds light on a different facet of this biodiversity, helping to amplify its voice and raise collective awareness.