Human well-being in the coastal tropics is closely linked to the fate of mangrove and coastal wetlands. In Guyana, almost 90% of the population lives on the coast and are subject to the benefits that healthy mangroves provide. These include improved coastal defenses, health, tourism and fisheries food security.
CI is working with the Governments of Guyana and Suriname and others to maintain the health and longevity of North Brazil Shelf (NBS) mangroves.
What
We’re mapping the NBS mangroves and learning everything we need to know about them, like what animals and plant life are preserved there, in order to protect them. At the same time, we’re working with others to develop a coordination body across borders so that all affected countries (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and Brazil) communicate with one another and make environmentally sound decisions together.
Why
The NBS mangroves are considered among the most extensive, dynamic and structurally complex coastal habitats in South America, housing several species of fauna, including some that are potentially endemic. These mangroves also stabilize the soil against erosion, help protect against flooding, sustain fisheries and ensure coastal water quality. Mangroves in Guyana have an impact on the world because they store carbon which helps to mitigate climate change. But they are vulnerable ecosystems which require informed and coordinated decision making across the Shelf.
How
Using existing knowledge and sending teams out into the field to study the mangroves first hand, CI is working with local partners to develop a baseline of information that will help us to better conserve and protect these precious ecosystems. At the same time, we’re inviting all the NBS countries to the table to share their experiences and knowledge and decide on the best way forward together.
What we are doing
Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Plan for NBS mangroves
CI field offices of Guyana and Suriname are working with local partners to not only understand and fill gaps in knowledge of mangrove ecosystems but to enhance regional coordination. We are doing premier research and fostering collaboration within and across countries to better understand and manage these precious habitats. We’re analyzing threats to the mangroves and how best to meet these challenges. We’re also listening to local communities on the important role mangroves play in their development and communicating with governments on relevant policies and potential conservation actions we can take collectively.
Integrated Coastal Management Regional Conference
The Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Conference provides an interdisciplinary platform for all to present and discuss the recent regional research findings gained through the GEF IW-6 North Brazil Shelf ICM Mangrove Project. It aims to bring together researchers, academic scientists, diverse technical experts and local stakeholders to share results and experiences around mangrove conservation and management in the North Brazil Shelf and wider region. The conference is an important event that will allow us to share not only a space for the most recent innovations and trends in knowledge but also for rich exchanges of experiences and learning on challenges encountered and the way forward for regional coordination in coastal and mangrove management and conservation.
Our Events
Our Contact Information
Would you like to share any concerns or have any questions on the project? Feel free to email us at mangrove@conservation.org with the subject”NBS Mangrove Project”.
Our Partners
We are partnering with governments, NGOs and local communities.