Key Conservation Organizations Recommit to Scaling-Up Mangrove Restoration 

The Bahamas, July 2025 – In recognition of World Mangrove Day on July 26th, a coalition of government and non-governmental organizations has reaffirmed its goal: planting one million mangroves across The Bahamas by the end of 2026.

The Bahamas Mangrove Alliance (BMA), which includes Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT), The Perry Institute for Marine Science (PIMS) Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), FRIENDS of the Environment and Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) together with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Northern Caribbean Program, The Bahamas National Trust (BNT), The Ministry of Environment and its Forestry Unit, Blue Action Lab, and The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), have joined forces to form the Northern Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project (NBMRP). This science-based initiative was launched in response to the widespread mangrove loss caused by  Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Since its inception, the coalition has developed comprehensive restoration plans, established ecological baselines, and continues to monitor progress at key restoration sites.

This collective effort aims to protect and restore The Bahamas’ mangrove ecosystems through science-based standards, community education, and targeted outreach. The ultimate objective is to protect biodiversity, strengthen local economies, and preserve the cultural heritage deeply tied to coastal environments.

“Through this work, we are implementing nature-based solutions to address the destruction left by Hurricane Dorian, said Jewel Beneby, Project Manager of TNC’s Northern Caribbean Program.  “We are not just planting mangroves; we are placing communities at the center of our restoration efforts.” She added: “Even though there is so much more work to be done, it is our hope to get more support, more hands, more funding and a greater understanding of this vital ecosystem that not just supports us but protects us.”

Communities in Grand Bahama and Abaco, including fishers, local residents, civil groups and schools have played an essential role in this restoration journey. Together, NBMRP partners have developed a scientific-based and strategic approach guided by a Mangrove Restoration and Monitoring Plan that integrates carbon science and explores sustainable financing models.

“Mangroves are amazing plants that help build up soil and sediments, literally adding land for us,” said Denise Mizell, Program Manager at The Perry Institute for Marine Science. “Additionally, they provide a habitat for fish, crabs, and other wildlife, including numerous bird species.My hope is to see mangroves thriving again. Just as these communities have shown resilience, I believe the mangroves will recover and flourish too.”

Community members are encouraged to participate in ongoing replanting activities throughout the year. Specifically, on Saturday, July 26^th, for World Mangrove Day, the BMA, alongside NBMRP partners, will host a community mangrove seedling collection event in North Andros. The collected seedlings will aid the NBMRP in achieving the goal of planting One Million Mangroves in Abaco and Grand Bahama by 2026.

Janell Smith, Senior Mistress at Patrick Bethel High School who participated in a former mangrove replanting exercise said, “I did not even realise how important mangroves were until they invited us on the project and knowing that I and my students can make such a good impact for future generations to come, I would say that is what really empowered me.”

One of the key priorities of the group is to engage with community partners to build local capacity for conducting educational and restoration activities, such as seed collection, planting, and monitoring.

To get involved or support the NBMRP, visit www.bahamasmangrovealliance.org. Learn more about this initiative at https://youtu.be/6yRic5T1l6I?si=cwJP2aLH10ZnIQbC and https://youtu.be/mMYuOmFvCmo?si=xUo4Ev5eyUOClwkb.

Initial funding for this effort is generously provided by Builders Initiative, COmON Foundation, Global Environmental Facility Small Grants Programme – The Bahamas, Global Fund for Coral Reefs, Moore Bahamas Foundation and The Nature Conservancy.

Photo Captions: 

Header: Members of the Bahamas Mangrove Alliance and Northern Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project Partners gather for a mangrove planting initiative in Grand Bahama. 

Insert: Community members participating in a mangrove restoration activity for the Northern Bahamas Mangrove Restoration Project.

(Photos: Bahamas Mangrove Alliance)