Mangrove News Digest # 651 – May 30, 2026
MAP remembers a Hero of the Biosphere
BRAZIL: Since the 1970’s until his last days, Gilberto Cintrón Molero shared his knowledge with everybody and without setting limits. His generosity, earnestness, words of wisdom, responsibility, academic method, and friendship made him a true Renaissance man. He set the example of how to use the basic concepts of ecology for conservation, inspiring young scientists and professionals through his interactions and partnerships. Gilberto leaves behind a legacy as an enlightened mentor and a true legend, now taking his place among the Encantados – the sacred entities of Northern Brazilian lore who dwell within and protect the mangroves, forever watching over the nature he so deeply understood.
Could you be MAP's new CEO?
USA – For 34 years, Mangrove Action Project has done one thing exceptionally well: helped coastal communities restore the forests that protect them. Now we’re looking for someone to lead the organization into its next era of impact. Check in on LinkedIn
Community rallies to protect beloved dugongs, revive declining seagrass
THAILAND – The ecological devastation has taken a toll on the island community. Most of Koh Libong’s roughly 3,000 residents depend on healthy nearshore ecosystems for their well-being and livelihoods.
Small cameras, big clues: what mangrove wildlife is telling us
GLOBAL – The Global Wetlands Project (GLOW) brings together partners across countries to monitor mangrove ecosystems using shared field methods, camera systems, sensors, and automated data tools.
Mangrove loss threatens Sierra Leone's oyster harvesters
SIERRA LEON – Sierra Leone’s spectacular wildlife is under severe threat from deforestation, unchecked urban growth and other human activity — challenges authorities have struggled to contain.
Mumbai fishers raise alarm over plight of 45,000 mangroves
INDIA – Fishers allege that mangrove trees are being felled late at night, only to be discovered when they fish near the creeks in the daytime.
Costa Rica Mangrove Bees Create Unique Honey in Puntarenas
COSTA RICA – Families in El Establo de Pitahaya, Puntarenas, are building a small community business around one of Costa Rica’s more unusual local products: honey made by bees living beside the mangrove.
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2026 MAP Photography Contest JUNE 01, 2026 DEADLINE
What have you seen in the mangroves?
Submit here before June 1st
2026 Children’s Mangrove Art Contest AUG 31, 2026 DEADLINE
Your child’s art may be next year’s calendar cover!
Deadline for submissions is Aug 31, 2026. 13 lucky artists will be selected to be featured. Please be sure to follow the instructions on getting your art to us on time and in a useable format.
Submit here by August 31st
ACTION ALERTS
Energia 2000 project threatens livelihoods & mangroves
NO TO PUERTO BARU – Panama’s Mangroves Under Threat! sign the petition.
Urge the DENR to revise or repeal harmful mangrove memorandum
Mexico: Stop the destruction of Chiapas’ forests!
Stop Blue Origin from Dumping Wastewater Into Indian River Lagoon
Rights for Stingless Bees – sign now
Protect the mangroves and tropical forests of Brazil’s Tauá-Mirim! Sign Now
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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