Mangrove Photography Award’s Spotlight:

A Birds’ Eye View of the Hunt

Mark Cook, winner of the 2025 Mangrove Photography Awards, shares a breathtaking view from above Florida Bay. As a wildlife ecologist, Mark often takes to the skies to study how birds like the Roseate Spoonbill are reacting to climate change and restoration efforts in the Everglades. His award-winning photograph captures a rare moment: a flock of spoonbills flying over milky waters, with a young lemon shark swimming just below – a snapshot of the bay’s vibrant life, all aligned in an instant of harmony.

Beyond its beauty, the image tells a deeper story: the Everglades and its mangrove habitats are not only stunning but essential, teeming with life and mystery. Through Mark’s lens, we’re reminded that these moments of wild beauty are worth protecting, and that every glimpse of the Everglades is a call to care for its future.

Where in the World is MAP?

In October, the MAP team travelled to Samarinda, Indonesia in partnership with Planète Urgence to deliver two workshops. First, the Coastal Education Program (CEP) workshop trained teachers to deliver hands-on, field-based environmental education. Through classroom sessions and field trips teachers learned about mangrove ecology, species identification, and conservation. Participants left prepared to engage students in protecting these vital ecosystems.

The second workshop focused on Community-Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration (CBEMR), equipping local practitioners, NGOs, and government staff with practical, site-specific restoration techniques. Participants explored the environmental and social factors influencing mangrove health, conducted field assessments, and developed restoration plans–strengthening local knowledge for sustainable mangrove management.

MAP In-Person for the First Time: Seattle 2025

In September, the entire MAP team came together in Seattle for the first time ever, joined by our Board for joint meetings and strategic planning sessions. For many of us, it was the first chance to meet in person, making the week both productive and a huge boost for team connection. We also took part in a DEI and inclusive communication workshop to strengthen how we work with one another and the communities we serve. Outside the meetings, we made the most of being together, from a polar plunge in the Puget Sound to cheering at a Mariners game.

Introducing Diana: Expanding MAP’s Reach in Latin America

Meet Dr. Diana Cisneros de la Cruz, our new CBEMR trainer based in Mexico. With over a decade of experience in mangrove ecosystems–including research, blue carbon projects, community engagement, and restoration work across Mexico, Peru, India, and beyond–Diana brings deep expertise and regional knowledge to MAP. We’re proud to welcome her to the team–a milestone made possible by the support of our donors.

What makes you excited about joining MAP?

I love to join a team that shares the same love and passion for mangroves and people that I do. For me, training is not teaching others, it is a moment to share and learn. So I’m thrilled that I’ll be able to be in mangroves around the world learning from many people, sharing stories and be part of an incredible team that makes this possible.

What’s your favorite memory in a mangrove?

My favourite moment was in “Manglar Azul”, a volunteering initiative that joined more than 100 young people working hand-in-hand with The Chelemeras, a women’s community restoration group, to restore mangroves. To see the joy and enthusiasm of all those young people, with mud up to their waist, makes me know everything is possible if we work together.

What do you wish more people knew about mangroves?

Mangroves are our Coastal Super-heroes.  Any small or big action to conserve them or restore them is an action for the well-being of the world. And if you are far from any mangrove, you can start by knowing more about how amazing they are.

MAP’s 2024 Annual Report is here! Explore our Impact here!

Our 2026 Children’s Mangrove Art Calendar is now available, featuring artwork from young artists worldwide – and supporters who donate $100 or more can receive a copy as a thank-you.

Favorite Fuzzy Friend from the Field goes to this sweet cat

A self-appointed guardian of a local aquaculture pond, she followed the MAP team during our site visit as part of our restoration training in Indonesia. She takes her job very seriously, but still made plenty of time for some well-earned pets from Laura.