Mangrove News Digest # 648 – April 18, 2026
When mangrove planting goes wrong
PHILIPPINES – Beneath the neat rows of newly planted mangrove seedlings lies a quiet reality: many will not survive, and some planting efforts may even damage the very ecosystems they are meant to protect. “They’re always well-meaning, but how do we take that to a level where their good intentions are aligned with science-based protocols?” said Mariglo Rosaida Laririt, assistant director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau.

Rethinking Carbon Dreams and Closed Forests in the Sundarbans
INDIA – Planned investments in these mangrove forests — hailed for their carbon-sequestration potential — could further leave people behind and ecosystems at risk.
Key Takeaways From Gender-Responsive Mangrove Restoration in Senegal
SENEGAL – Biodiversity-mindful mangrove restoration can be a powerful tool for both environmental and social outcomes.
These trees brought a fishery back from the brink. They can help you too
CAMBODIA – Khiev Sat is a local leader in Koh Kresna. Today he’s the town’s chief. “We went house to house, teaching local fishermen not to cut down mangroves,” Khiev says.
Ecological Disconnect: When Mangrove Protection Becomes a Legal Fiction
INDIA – In the sophisticated game of environmental musical chairs, the music has stopped, but the mangrove trees have somehow ended up in the wrong district, or perhaps, in the wrong chair.
Nominations open for Mangrove Photography Awards
GLOBAL – The Mangrove Photography Awards is a global photography competition that invites photographers to capture the beauty, biodiversity, and environmental importance of mangrove ecosystems.
Gulf mangrove reserve at risk after oil spill from Iranian warship
UAE – A growing oil spill from a damaged Iranian naval vessel is threatening a protected mangrove ecosystem near the Strait of Hormuz, raising environmental concerns.
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12th Annual MAP Photography Contest
CHILDREN’S ART CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

ACTION ALERTS
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
Save the Sanctuary: Keep Gulper Shark Fisheries Closed
Protect the mangroves and tropical forests of Brazil’s Tauá-Mirim! Sign Now
NO TO PUERTO BARU – Panama’s Mangroves Under Threat! sign the petition.
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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