Mangrove Action Project to become Independent

"Earth Island Institute is an innovative organizational home for many environmental initiatives," said Davis.  "While many of our projects have found a long-term home in our network, we have regularly supported those projects that chose to set off on their own.  We are proud of the considerable accomplishments and growing leadership of Mangrove Action Project in global networking, and mangrove conservation and restoration."

Mangrove Action Project (MAP) was incorporated as a Washington nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization in 2006 to assume the work of the existing Earth Island Mangrove Action Project.  Alfredo Quarto will serve as Executive Director of the new Mangrove Action Project organization.

Since Earth Island's founding in 1982, more than 60 projects have called Earth Island home, and among the notable projects that have gone on to independence are Rainforest Action Network, International Rivers Network, Northern Appalachian Restoration Project, Urban Habitat Program, Bluewater Network, and Sea Turtle Restoration Project.

"Mangrove Action Project has been fortunate to work with Earth Island Institute as a project incubator.  The infrastructure support, program guidance and dynamic community of activists and environmental leaders have allowed Mangrove Action Project to mature into a strong, independent organization," said Quarto.

In 15 years with Earth Island Institute, Mangrove Action Project has developed solid educational, action support and networking programs all over the world.  They have collaborated with hundreds of grassroots nonprofit organizations in both the global South and North.  They have worked with local NGOs and community groups in the pursuit of effective and long-term mangrove conservation and restoration, while also focusing on resolving those problems which are threatening the world's remaining mangroves.  "With over half the original mangrove forest cover having been lost to coastal development and a third of that loss occurring in the last 20 years, MAP's effort to conserve and restore these vital coastal ecosystems is imperative," said Quarto.  "Mangrove Action Project is uniquely positioned to raise awareness globally about the importance of mangrove wetlands and to spotlight the problems affecting the mangroves."

For more information about the work of Mangrove Action Project, please contact Alfredo Quarto, Executive Director, via email or telephone (360) 452-5866 or visit their website.

For more information about the work of Earth Island Institute, please contact John A. Knox, Executive Director, via email or telephone (415) 788-3666 x108 or visit their website.

Submitted by:  Alfredo Quarto

>>> All Current Headlines