Can zakat funds be used to plant mangrove trees? Among the benefits of mangrove trees are supporting our ecosystem by reducing the risk of floods/tsunamis, serving as breeding grounds for fish for fishermen, and more.

Planting mangrove trees for these purposes does not fall under any of the zakat asnaf categories. Protecting the environment is considered a good deed in Islam and is the responsibility of everyone, from individuals to the government. However, the implementation of such activities should use funds other than zakat.