Mangrove News Digest # 619 – March 8, 2025
Port development in Panama threatens environmentally protected area
PANAMA – The proposed Baru Port threatens a mangrove ecosystem that contains a quarter of Panama’s mangroves, called the Mangroves of David. That’s why we’re sending a message to Panama’s government. Give permission for the port to be elsewhere – an area where there are no protected mangroves, which bottlenose dolphins don’t call home and where shipping doesn’t need to cross humpback whale nursing areas.
Youth-led Mangrove Conservation initiative underscores World Wildlife Day
ANTIGUA AND BARBADOS- As the world observes United Nations World Wildlife Day, a youth-led environmental initiative in Antigua and Barbuda is gaining recognition for its innovative approach to mangrove conservation and education.
Policy brief to help mangrove forests and their communities
FINLAND – Finnish researchers publish a policy brief intended to help conserve mangrove forests and support the sustainable development of resident communities.
Mangrove forest project in Kendrapara buried in files
INDIA – Despite repeated government promises, a proposed mangrove afforestation project aimed at protecting coastal regions in Kendrapara district remains buried in official files, even as rising sea levels continue to threaten local villages.
Long-term recovery of mangroves after a major oil spill
AUSTRALIA – A new study from James Cook University TropWATER researchers has tracked the full 30-year recovery of more than 300 hectares of mangrove forests severely damaged by a 1986 oil spill in Central America.
Bukele’s Airport Project Brings Deforestation and Displacement
EL SALVADOR – Construction has begun on a new international airport in El Salvador despite ongoing concerns that the project will lead to rapid development near vulnerable wetlands and other coastal ecosystems. The first construction works on El Salvador’s Pacific Airport, a signature Bukele infrastructure project, have displaced 225 families.
Olu of Warri leads call to protect Niger Delta mangroves
NIGERIA – The Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwase III, has called for the protection of the Niger Delta mangroves from foreign interests seeking to exploit them under the guise of carbon credit offsets. The traditional ruler made the call during an ongoing art exhibition showcasing the works of Art scholar and environmentalist, Dr John DeBebs, in Lagos.
Where In The World Is MAP?
This Week’s Featured MANGROVE ACTION PROJECT Case Study:
‘Marvellous Mangroves’ student education & Mangrove Restoration Training in Suriname
Location: Suriname
Timeline: May 2019
Goal: To conduct an interdisciplinary training course that helps students explore and understand the function and structure of ecological systems, and teaches local NGOs, academics and government officers from Suriname, Guyana and French Guiana about mangrove restoration. This was the first time MAP combined the ‘Marvellous Mangroves’ students education with a CBEMR workshop.
MAP’s Mangrove Photography Awards
2024 Winners – MAP Mangrove Photography Awards
ACTION ALERTS
URGENT NOTICE – Save Panama’s Mangroves: sign the petition.
Keep Deutsche Bahn out of Amazonia!
Fight the Marine Bitumen Spill
Stop land grabbing and racial discrimination for palm oil in Ecuador
Thank you to our many supporters who made this work possible, and to all of our friends and partners working to protect mangrove forests, worldwide. Mangrove Action Project relies on the generosity of donors to do our urgent work. Whether it’s a one-time or monthly commitment, your contributions make a real difference in safeguarding these critical ecosystems.
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