Protecting biodiversity with mangrove restoration in Brazil

Why this project?

The Primera Cruz Mangrove Site in Maranhão, Brazil, is facing an alarming rate of deforestation, with most areas sadly only remaining small patches of isolated mangrove forests. Illegal tree removal, charcoal production, and the lingering effects of salt production have accelerated land degradation, threatening biodiversity and local livelihoods. Together with our planting partners and the local community, we are restoring these vital coastal ecosystems to enhance biodiversity, improve fishers' livelihoods, create jobs, and strengthen resilience to climate change. By leveraging geospatial data layers to monitor the restoration process, we will support mangrove restoration as a means to enhance livelihoods while creating fringe habitats for wildlife like jaguars.

Restoring Mangroves for Wildlife and Coastal Communities

The Amazon rainforest is the most vital forest on the planet. The Amazon is home to 40% of the world’s remaining rainforest and 25% of its terrestrial biodiversity and contains more fish species than any other river system. Brazil's 1.3 million hectares of mangroves are under increasing threat. The Blue Amazon mangrove reforestation site in the State of Maranhão in Brazil is facing alarming rates of deforestation.

Maranhão, one of Brazil's most impoverished states, has the lowest human development index in the country. The local fishing communities, many of whom belong to the Quilombola people, rely on healthy mangroves for their livelihoods but face mounting environmental and economic challenges to their land and way of life.

This project improves the livelihoods of local fishermen, creates jobs in areas with minimal employment opportunities, restores habitat for endangered fish species, and restores some of the most carbon-rich forests on the planet. Along with providing jobs for restoration and restoring fishing livelihoods, our planting partners are working with local organizations to bring ecotourism opportunities to the area that will benefit the community long-term.

Our restoration efforts focus on:

• Carbon sequestration and climate resilience: Each mangrove tree can sequester an estimated 0.31 tonnes of CO2, helping mitigate climate change.

• Restoring wildlife corridors: reconnecting habitats for species such as jaguars, manatees, harpy eagles, and Goliath Giant Groupers.

• Sustainable fishing practices: engaging local fishers in mangrove replanting and responsible wood use to ensure long-term viability.

• Empowering local communities: 50% of the workforce is women, fostering inclusive economic opportunities.

• Monitoring progress with technology: Using geospatial data layers to track deforestation, land use, and habitat recovery.

We will plant three key mangrove species—Rhizophora mucronata, Avicennia germinans, and Laguncularia racemosa—to stabilize coastlines, prevent erosion, and restore biodiversity.

Implementation:

• Planting Window: January – June

• Estimated Survivability Rate: 80%

• Site Monitoring: Geospatial Data Layers

• Labor: 20 workdays per 10,000 trees planted

• Land Coverage: 1 hectare per 10,000 trees

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