Mangrove News Digest # 654 – July 11, 2026
Toxins in Colombian Caribbean Mangroves Could Have Effects on Humans and Other Species
COLUMBIA – Mangroves are environmental guardians capable of recording the pollution that reaches the ecosystem. Researchers from the National University of Colombia (UNAL) campuses in Bogotá, Medellín, and the Caribbean region, and from the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University of Bogotá, analyzed the roots of red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and found compounds classified as “potentially carcinogenic” among the mangrove roots, in addition to alterations in the color and natural pigmentation of these coastal ecosystems.
Clean cooking push launched as mangrove destruction worsens
KENYA – Continued destruction of mangrove has triggered the rollout of a clean cooking initiative targeting households that still rely heavily on firewood and charcoal.
As East Africa’s oceans change, coastal women build new livelihoods
KENYA – In Kenya, women are turning restored mangrove forests into sources of income through beekeeping and ecotourism.
The real mangrove threat
JAMAICA – While mangrove loss is often associated with coastal development projects, the biggest threat facing Jamaica’s mangroves is the unlawful harvesting for charcoal production.
Mangrove loss threatens livelihoods and wildlife on Bangladesh’s Sonadia Island
BANGLADESH – Mangrove forests on Bangladesh’s Sonadia Island are disappearing as land is cleared for shrimp farming and salt production, raising concerns among environmentalists and local communities.
5,000 hectares of mangroves lost in 2024 as climate impacts bite
MOZAMBIQUE – Analysis of mangrove ecosystems identified one of the highest levels of loss in recent years during 2024, reflecting a trend linked to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related events.
Benin restores mangrove ecosystems across nine municipalities in community-led conservation effort
BENIN – Once heavily exploited, Southern Benin region’s mangroves are undergoing a transformation in community practices.
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2026 MAP Photography Contest
Watch for Announcement July 24, 2026
Submission period has closed
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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