Seagrass meadows, covering about 0.1–0.2% of the global ocean, play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems. However, they are facing widespread loss due to direct human impacts such as mechanical damage, eutrophication, aquaculture, siltation, and coastal construction, as well as indirect impacts from climate change, including rising sea levels, increased storms, and ultraviolet irradiance. The review highlights that current losses are expected to accelerate, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, as human pressure on coastal zones increases. Positive efforts, such as increased legislation and protection, are underway, but they are unlikely to balance the negative impacts, especially in developing tropical regions where conservation policies are less effective. The uncertainties in monitoring programs and the inability to predict future loss rates pose significant challenges for global conservation policies. To ensure the effective conservation of seagrass ecosystems, three key actions are recommended: developing a coherent worldwide monitoring network, creating quantitative models to predict seagrass responses to disturbances, and educating the public about the functions of seagrass meadows and the impacts of human activities.Seagrass meadows, covering about 0.1–0.2% of the global ocean, play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems. However, they are facing widespread loss due to direct human impacts such as mechanical damage, eutrophication, aquaculture, siltation, and coastal construction, as well as indirect impacts from climate change, including rising sea levels, increased storms, and ultraviolet irradiance. The review highlights that current losses are expected to accelerate, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, as human pressure on coastal zones increases. Positive efforts, such as increased legislation and protection, are underway, but they are unlikely to balance the negative impacts, especially in developing tropical regions where conservation policies are less effective. The uncertainties in monitoring programs and the inability to predict future loss rates pose significant challenges for global conservation policies. To ensure the effective conservation of seagrass ecosystems, three key actions are recommended: developing a coherent worldwide monitoring network, creating quantitative models to predict seagrass responses to disturbances, and educating the public about the functions of seagrass meadows and the impacts of human activities.