Continuous Global Mangrove Dynamics: Mangrove change layers, 1984-2023

This dataset provides global mangrove change layers derived from the Continuous Global Mangrove Dynamics (CGMD) annual mangrove extent product, covering the period 1984-2023. The data describe multiple dimensions of mangrove dynamics, including loss, gain (including regeneration and expansion), degradation, growth.

All data are provided in ESRI Shapefile format.

File descriptions

1. AnnualLoss&Gain1984–2023.zip

This file contains annual mangrove loss and gain layers derived from year-to-year comparisons.

• File naming: Change_{year}_{year+1}.shp
  (e.g., Change_2000_2001.shp represents changes between 2000 and 2001)
• Attribute field: ChangeType (string):
  • loss – mangrove loss between two consecutive years
  • gain – mangrove gain between two consecutive years
  • stable – no change (persistent mangrove)

2. AnnualDegradation&Growth1984–2023.zip

This file contains year-to-year within-mangrove changes in canopy condition, including degradation and growth.

• File naming: Degradation_{year}_{year+1}.shp
• Attribute field: landcover (integer):
  • 1 – degradation (canopy thining or short-term loss)
  • 2 – growth (canopy cover increase)
  • 3 – degraded (persistently lower canopy cover after degradation)
  • 4 – after growth (persistently higher canopy cover after growth)

3. 2010To2023_Loss&Gain.zip

This file contains aggregated mangrove loss and gain between 2010 and 2023.

• Includes two shapefiles: Loss (2010 → 2023) and Gain (2010 → 2023).

4. 1980sTo2010_Loss&Gain.zip

This file summarizes mangrove changes from the 1980s baseline to 2010.

• Includes two shapefiles: Loss (1980s → 2010) and Gain (1980s → 2010).

5. Regeneration2010to2023.zip

This file represents mangrove regeneration between 2010 and 2023.

• Definition: Gain occurring in areas that were previously mangroves before 2010 but had been lost and later regenerated.

6. Expansion2010to2023.zip

This file represents mangrove expansion between 2010 and 2023.

• Definition: Gain occurring in areas that were not identified as mangroves during the 1980s–2010 baseline period.

For visualization or simple analysis, please use our Google Earth Engine app: https://zhenzhang.users.earthengine.app/view/globalmangrovedynamic.

The dataset is associated with Zhang et al. (2026), Unexpected expansion and regrowth in Earth’s mangrove forests over the past four decades. Science, accepted.

For citation at this stage, please cite this preprint: Zhang, Z., Murray, N., Song, X. P., Bunting, P., Worthington, T., Fatoyinbo, L., ... & Friess, D. A. (2025). Unexpected canopy gain in Earth’s mangrove forests linked to natural expansion and regrowth. EarthArXiv. https://doi.org/10.31223/X5XQ82.