Central America's Mangrove Restoration Plan (2025)

Community-Centric Restoration

Empowering local communities is at the heart of our strategy. In El Salvador, community-driven projects have successfully restored over 70 hectares of mangroves by reopening natural water channels, showcasing the effectiveness of grassroots involvement. The Mangrove Alliance Mongabay+1UNESCO+1

Integrated Scientific Approaches

Combining traditional knowledge with scientific research ensures the success of restoration efforts. In Costa Rica, projects utilize hydrodynamic models and chemical analyses to restore approximately 31 hectares of mangroves, reinstating natural water flows and vegetation cover. UNESCO+1One Earth+1 initiative-mangroves-ffem.com

Educational Initiatives

Education plays a pivotal role in conservation. Programs like “Play for the Mangroves” in the Dominican Republic engage youth through sports and environmental education, fostering a new generation of conservationists. Seacology

Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation

Mangroves are powerful carbon sinks. Projects like Vida Manglar in Colombia aim to conserve and restore 7,500 hectares of mangroves, potentially sequestering close to 1 million metric tons of carbon over 30 years. The Guardian+1The Mangrove Alliance+1 Heal Our Planet, Protect Our Future

Regional Collaboration

Collaborative efforts, such as the Mesoamerican Reef Fund (MAR Fund), work towards a regional strategy for mangrove conservation, involving countries like Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. These partnerships aim to standardize restoration methodologies and share best practices across borders. marfund.org Ambition Loop

2025 Goals

Restore 1,000 hectares of mangrove forests across Central America.
Engage 50,000 community members in conservation activities.
Establish 100 educational programs focusing on mangrove ecosystems.
Develop a regional monitoring system to track restoration progress.