This project aims to reverse the degradation of mangrove ecosystems, affected by deforestation, pollution and overexploitation. The initiative focuses on preserving biodiversity, strengthening climate resilience and bringing socio-economic benefits to local communities.
Objectives and Key Activities
- Restoring Mangrove Forests
Reforesting mangroves to combat deforestation, improve biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration. - Community involvement
Involving local communities through environmental education, the creation of mangrove nurseries and planting sessions with the support of the government and other stakeholders. - Sustainable livelihoods
Generate income for local people through the sale of mangrove seedlings, promote ecotourism, and train community members as forest rangers. - Monitoring and maintenance
Monitor mangrove growth and survival at 3, 6 and 12 months to ensure sustainable success of the reforestation.
Impacts
- Climate change mitigation
Mangroves have a high sequestration capacity, storing up to four times more carbon than tropical forests, and thus making a significant contribution to the fight against climate change. - Enhancing Biodiversity
Restored mangroves provide essential habitat for marine species such as sea turtles, parrotfish, snapper, grouper, crabs and shrimp, while stabilizing ecosystems and filtering pollutants. The area is also home to endangered bird species and is recognized as an Important Bird Area. - Community protection and livelihoods
Mangrove forests act as a natural barrier against storms, reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. They also support the local economy by increasing fish stocks, generating income through nurseries and developing ecotourism.
This approach enables ecological restoration while empowering local populations, promoting sustainable conservation practices and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.
Raf Stassen
