Mangrove Photography Award’s Spotlight:

Crab Gatherer

Danilo O. Victoriano Jr.’s photograph, which received Runner-Up in the People & Livelihoods category of the 2025 Mangrove Photography Awards, captures the story of restoration and resilience at Bakhawan Eco-Park in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. Once a polluted and barren shoreline, the area has been transformed into a thriving 540 acre mangrove forest through decades of community-led restoration efforts. Today, the restored ecosystem protects coastal communities from storms while supporting local livelihoods through sustainable fishing.

In the image, a father and son proudly gather freshly caught crabs from the mangroves — a powerful reflection of the connection between healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing. More than a story of environmental recovery, the photograph highlights the lasting benefits mangroves provide for families, food security, and future generations. The image and story serve as a hopeful reminder of what can be achieved when communities work alongside nature.

Where in the World is MAP?

In April, Dom, Laura, and Ali traveled to the islands of Pemba and Unguja, off the coast of Tanzania, to deliver a series of mangrove restoration trainings in partnership with Community Forests Pemba and Community Forests International.

The trip marked several firsts for MAP: the team’s first time running three trainings back-to-back, the first trainings designed specifically for community members, and MAP’s first women-focused training aimed at supporting women who will become future trainers of best-practice mangrove restoration in their own communities.

The trainings built on listening sessions held during MAP’s visit last year, where community members shared their restoration experiences, challenges, and priorities for future learning. Using that feedback, the team developed trainings tailored directly to local needs, covering mangrove ecology, importance of hydrology, and community-based restoration techniques.

MAP worked with members from multiple communities on both islands, combining classroom sessions with hands-on field activities at active restoration sites. The experience highlighted the growing leadership of local communities, especially women, in protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems critical for fisheries, biodiversity, and coastal resilience.

MAP’s New Social Media Video Series 

MAP is launching a field video series on social media sharing practical insights and science directly from mangrove sites around the world. These short videos explore topics such as hydrology, planting nursery-grown mangroves and other lessons from the field.

The series is designed to make mangrove restoration knowledge more accessible while giving our supporters a closer look at the challenges and successes behind restoration work.

Click here to watch our Restoration Program Director Laura Michie explain if mangroves actually “love” salt, and why this is so important for restoration success.

Leadership Opportunity: Chief Executive Officer

Mangrove Action Project is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization into its next chapter of global impact. MAP is looking for a leader who can build on its 34-year history of advancing community-based restoration, strengthen global partnerships, and support the continued growth of its field programs and training work across regions.

The CEO will guide MAP’s strategic direction, helping to expand the organization’s reach, deepen its impact in coastal communities, and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality, community-led restoration programs worldwide.

If you are interested in this opportunity, or know someone who may be a strong fit, please view the full position description and application details here. Thank you!

Favorite Fuzzy Friend from the Field

Dom and his new friend George, a very friendly office dog he met while consulting on restoration sites in Sri Lanka in May.