Global distribution of mangroves, Seagrasses,Coral reefs & Saltmarshes

Global distribution of mangroves
This dataset shows the global distribution of mangroves, and was produced as joint initiatives of the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO), International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (UNESCO-MAB), United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Major funding was provided by ITTO through a Japanese Government project grant; the project was implemented by ISME.  For more detail: UN WCMC (https://data.unep-wcmc.org/datasets/5)
Global distribution of seagrasses
This dataset shows the global distribution of seagrasses, and is composed of two subsets of point and polygon occurrence data. The data were compiled by UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre in collaboration with many collaborators (e.g. Frederick Short of the University of New Hampshire), organisations (e.g. OSPAR), and projects (e.g. the European project Mediterranean Sensitive Habitats “Mediseh”), across the globe (full list available in accompanying metadata table within the dataset).
Global distribution of coral reefs
This dataset shows the global distribution of coral reefs in tropical and subtropical regions. It is the most comprehensive global dataset of warm-water coral reefs to date, acting as a foundation baseline map for future, more detailed, work. This dataset was compiled from a number of sources by UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the WorldFish Centre, in collaboration with WRI (World Resources Institute) and TNC (The Nature Conservancy). Data sources include the Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project (IMaRS-USF and IRD 2005, IMaRS-USF 2005) and the World Atlas of Coral Reefs (Spalding et al. 2001).

Global distribution of saltmarshes
This dataset displays the extent of our knowledge regarding the distribution of saltmarshes globally, drawing from occurrence data (surveyed and/or remotely sensed). The dataset was developed to provide a baseline inventory of the extent of our knowledge regarding the global distribution of saltmarshes, which are ecosystems located in the intertidal zone of sheltered marine and estuarine coastlines. These ecosystems comprise brackish, shallow water with salt-tolerant plants such as herbs, grasses and shrubs, and are commonly found at temperate and high latitudes. Saltmarshes are of ecological importance as they underpin the estuarine food web. In particular, saltmarshes serve as nesting, nursery and feeding grounds for numerous species of birds, fish, molluscs and crustaceans, including commercially important fish species such as herring (Clupea harengus), and are also home to a number of Endangered and Critically Endangered species.

The dataset consists of one polygon layer, one point layer, and an accompanying Access database that contains species information (linked exclusively to the point dataset).

Please see the metadata of each layer for more details.