Mangrove forests provide major benefits to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including coastal protection from hurricanes, habitat for important fish species, nursery grounds for sharks, blue carbon storage, and support for our marinas and blue economy. Yet they are threatened by coastal development, pollution, marine debris, and climate change. They are also rarely taught in schools and remain inaccessible to much of the public. Local groups are working to change this through programs like Mangroves in the Classroom, which gives students hands-on experience growing and outplanting mangroves, and through large efforts to remove decades of marine debris. Learn more about this work: Mangroves in the Classroom, Forgotten Shorelines