projects

Community-led mangrove restoration for durable solutions

Completed
A group of smiling people pose on a lawn in front of trees and a brick building
The communities of Pescador 1 and 2 are coming together to lead restoration efforts in the mangroves they call home.
Photo: UNHCR/Luisa De la Espriella.
Programme
UNHCR Innovation Incubator
Fund
Environment and Climate Action Innovation Fund | Incubator
Start Date
Total Project Cost
USD 116,520.000
Country
Colombia
Project Team
UNHCR Colombia , Apartado Team

Challenge

The port city of Turbo is highly transited and houses a large informal settlement. Its mangrove ecosystem is highly impacted by the settlement’s waste management issues. Land rights are being sought to ensure durable solutions for forcibly displaced people, but limited local opportunities contribute to onward movement.

Solution

Building on the legalization process, create an environmental committee and train community members to promote community-led restoration and sustainable management of the mangrove. The committee will investigate commercial opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

Impact

Diverse community members gain capacity to undertake restoration and waste management work. Improved environmental health and possible commercial avenues for livelihood opportunities – selling seedlings, scientific research, academically focused eco-tourism – explored in collaboration with local stakeholders.

Project impact

1
community environmental committee formally registered to lead restoration work
13600
mangrove seedlings planted, restoring 2 hectares of this vulnerable ecosystem
3.5
tons of waste removed from mangrove ecosystem; 18% recycled by the committee

Other information

Local organizations committed support to the community committee, called the Guardianes del Mangle (or Guardians of the Mangrove) helping them continue work with technical and financial support.
 
In partnership with a local university, an environmental management course was designed to build local skills. Seventeen members of the Guardians of the Mangrove committee were certified following completion of this course.
 
You can follow the work and achievements of the Guardianes del Mangle on their Instagram account. Read more about this project in UNHCR webstory and an Innovation blog.