MAP News Issue # 609 – Oct 19, 2024
Winners of the 2024 Children’s Mangrove Art Contest Revealed!
We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Children’s Mangrove Art Contest, an annual celebration that blends creativity with education, inspiring a deep appreciation for mangrove forests among young people. Now in its 23rd year, the contest continues to grow, with this year marking a new milestone—with 350 entries from students aged 7 to 16 across 34 countries. These young artists were challenged to create vibrant works that highlight the critical role mangroves play in protecting coastal ecosystems and supporting communities. “Choosing the winners was challenging, as we received remarkable artwork from around the world. We are truly amazed by the talent of these young artists and feel honored to showcase their work, which we hope will inspire many to protect mangroves,” said Monica Gutierrez-Quarto, coordinator of the art contest.
Video series “How to effectively restore mangroves”
GLOBAL – As the spotlight on mangrove restoration grows, it is essential to adopt the most effective restoration approaches. Wetlands International presents a series of animated videos that show why inclusive ecological approaches are the way forward. Learn how to move beyond mass monoculture planting by applying the latest scientific insights and involving local communities and other stakeholders.
Coastal farmers in Bangladesh give up shrimp farming for agriculture to combat salinity
BANGLADESH – A few years ago, Abdullah Harun Chowdhury, an environmental science faculty member at Khulna University, supervised a study on the transition from shrimp to rice farming in coastal Bangladesh. Harun observed that smallholder farmers, re-engaged in agriculture, are no longer allowing saline water from intertidal rivers which they previously did to fill their ghers.
Mangrove microbes show potential for breaking down plastics
SAUDI ARABIA – A way to select a suite of mangrove bacteria that can transform plastic has been developed that potentially offers a new strategy in the global toolkit of plastic waste cleanup. Researchers have assessed the impact of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles and seawater intrusion on the microbiome of mangrove soil and then experimented with an enrichment culture to select a suite of PET-transforming microbes.
Cambodia signs agreement with international centre for mangrove preservation
CAMBODIA – The Ministry of Environment signed an agreement with the International Mangrove Center in Shenzhen, China to strengthen collaboration in restoring mangrove forests in the country which span over 50,000 hectares across four coastal provinces. “This cooperation agreement focuses on enhancing collaboration, exchanging experiences and restoring mangrove forests, as well as raising public awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems,” the ministry stated.
Thailand’s budding mangrove restoration plans spark both hope and concern
THAILAND – The vista of dead seedlings at Bang Kaew underscores the shortcomings of state-led restoration methods in Thailand and the need for reformed approaches. The government agencies responsible for large-scale restoration efforts in Thailand need to stretch their focus beyond just planting trees. “At what point do we allow one thousand people to make the same mistake [by mass planting seedlings]?
Preah Sihanouk administration to turn mangrove areas into tourism hot spots
CAMBODIA – Deputy Governor of Preah Sihanouk province Long Dimanche led the provincial administration team, and relevant authorities to inspect two water treatment stations located next to the Teuk Sap stream in Prey Nop district, Preah Sihanouk province. Dimanche said that the inspection was made in response to the provincial governor Mang Sineth order to discuss and evaluate the appropriateness of environmental safety for the establishment of eco-tourism sites along the canal.
Something easy that you can do for MAP …
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Mangrove Action Project 2024 GuideStar Platinum Level Transparency Participant
CURRENT EVENTS
Winners of MAP’s Children’s Art Contest
Our Website showcases over 80 outstanding artworks in our Virtual Art Gallery
Winners of MAP’s Mangrove Photography Awards
2024 Winners – MAP Mangrove Photography Awards
ACTION ALERTS
Join us in protecting Mexico’s jaguars and mangrove habitats
“Janis is the jaguar, who was in the 2020 winning image of the Mangrove Photography Awards, but sadly died from being hit by a lorry. Janis has become a symbol of jaguar conservation in the region and mangroves of Papalota.” READ MORE
URGENT NOTICE – Please SIGN: 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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