Wetlands and mangroves are vital to securing a liveable future for people and nature. They sequester carbon, protect coastlines, filter water, support millions of livelihoods, and provide habitats for a staggering 40% of global biodiversity. How can we better protect these amazing ecosystems? Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Ahmad Aldrie Amir, Head of the Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability Research Centre at UKM’s Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI). He is also the coordinator of the Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network (MyMangrove).