Recently, Sri Lanka became the first nation to protect all mangroves, even going so far as to open a mangrove museum as part of a project aiming to protect 8,800 hectares of mangrove forests throughout the country and restore 3,900 hectares.
Why make so much effort to protect a tree?
There are over 70 species of mangroves on Earth, bridging the gap between land and the ocean. They are among some of the most productive and biologically complex ecosystems across the globe, and are incredibly important to the health of our planet. Providing homes and food for a variety of organisms, mangroves are essential to ecosystems around the world, which is why Global Greengrants Fund offers support to organizations protecting them.
Beach Cleanup in the Philippines
Save Freedom Island Movement, a volunteer group in Manila, is working tirelessly to protect the last remaining mangrove forests in Manila Bay. Working with Earth Island Institute, Global Greengrants has supported Save Freedom Island Movement through grants to organize clean up events and educate kids and communities about the importance of protecting mangrove ecosystems.
Protection from the Fishing Community in Brazil
In Bahia, on the Brazil coast, the impact of shrimp farming on mangroves and the destruction the farms cause can be seen clearly. Luckily, grantee Movimento Cultural Arte Manha is using art and film to protect the local mangrove ecosystems from a large shrimp farming project. The group is raising awareness of the issue through a film called “It’s All Lies,” showing the social and environmental impacts of the shrimp farms.
The Athi River is the second longest waterway in Kenya, and one of the most endangered. The mangrove forests are an important habitat for flamingos and other migrating birds, but the locals have been logging them for firewood. Recognizing ecotourism as a potential solution, a local youth group used two Greengrants to establish a creekside restaurant and a suspended walking bridge above the mangroves, encouraging ecotourism in the area.