Marismas Nacionales Sinaloa, Mexico, February 2025
Since January 2024, thanks to your support, an ambitious mangrove restoration project is underway in the Marismas Nacionales Sinaloa region of Mexico. This wetland, designated as a Ramsar site of international importance, is the focus of an initiative led by the Mexican organisation Humedales Sustentables A.C., in collaboration with A Tree for You. The objective is to restore 25 hectares of degraded mangroves in the Laguna de Agua Grande and re-establish their essential ecological functions.
Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting coastal ecosystems. They harbour exceptional biodiversity, act as barriers against erosion and storms, capture significant amounts of carbon, and provide vital resources for local populations. Unfortunately, the mangroves in Marismas Nacionales Sinaloa are severely affected by excessive levels of salinity and poor water circulation, which threaten not only this ecosystem but also the services it provides to surrounding communities.
In 2024, the project successfully completed its first steps. Thanks to extensive studies, the area was mapped and priority actions identified.
Hydrological restoration work was then launched, including cleaning and unclogging existing tidal channels, as well as digging 600 metres of new channels to improve water flow.
A nursery was also set up to produce 15,000 seedlings of three local species: red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), and black mangrove (Avicennia germinans).
Working together with local communities, especially members of the ‘Triunfo Pesquero fishing cooperative from Ojo de Agua de Palmillas, has proved key to the project. These local inhabitants, trained and educated on the importance of mangroves, actively participate in collecting propagules, restoration work, and preservation actions for these wetlands. Their commitment ensures the sustainability of the efforts undertaken.
In 2025, the project will continue to build on its progress by expanding the restoration area. The work will include planting the 15,000 seedlings produced in 2024 and producing an additional 15,000 seedlings for future campaigns. At the same time, a rigorous monitoring programme will be introduced to assess the impacts of the actions taken. It will include monthly analyses of salinity, temperatures, and water quality, as well as a biannual assessment of sediments. These studies will help adjust strategies-based developments observed.
Your support is essential to the success of this project. By contributing to this initiative, you will be playing a part in restoring a key ecosystem and strengthening the resilience of local populations to environmental changes. Together, we can make sure the mangroves of Marismas Nacionales Sinaloa regain their full splendour and continue to play their vital role for generations to come.
Catch up soon for more news on the project!
