To what extent have countries been involved and the figures validated?
All countries were asked to provide information on current forest area according to forest types for FRA 2000, using their own classification system. Since mangroves form a distinct and relatively easy forest type to define, most countries which have mangroves provided specific information on their extent. The list of the most recent estimate is mostly based on this information. A broad literature search and requests for information sent to mangrove networks and individual specialists worldwide yielded additional information, particularly on past estimates. More than 2 800 national and subnational datasets have been collected so far, covering 121 countries and areas where mangroves are known to exist, with the earliest estimates dating back to 1918 and the 1920s. The information has been analysed with the assistance of mangrove experts throughout the world, in many cases including government officials. (A list of people contacted for individual countries is available in one of the Work
