Restoring Mangroves in Puerto Rico: A Community-based Approach to Protecting our Coasts

Over the past two years, Surfrider’s mangrove forest restoration efforts in Puerto Rico have gained significant momentum thanks to the collaboration of local volunteers and communities committed to coastal conservation, resilience, and nature-based solutions. This initiative revitalizes critical ecosystems that, in addition to being essential for biodiversity, sink more carbon than any other habitat type on the planet and act as natural barriers against climate change, and coastal erosion.

Surfrider’s mangrove restoration efforts are being carried out across the island, from the coasts of Jobos Bay to the wetlands of Las Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve. With the active participation of more than 500 volunteers, thousands of mangrove seedlings have been planted, contributing to the reforestation of more than 50 acres of forest. 

In addition to restoring these habitats, the work promotes environmental education and raises awareness of the importance of mangroves for the planet’s health. Surfrider has led workshops for students, families, and community organizations where participants learn about the Life cycle of mangroves, their importance in water filtration, their role in flood mitigation and carbon storage, as well as their role as a great natural barrier protecting communities from hurricanes and storm surge. Surfrider also leads volunteer cleanup in the forests, ensuring a suitable environment for forest regeneration.

Local communities have been instrumental in this effort. Many residents have seen the direct benefits of mangroves in their surroundings, such as improved water quality and the recovery of marine wildlife. Intergenerational collaboration has strengthened community ties, making the planting activities a social event where everyone participates and learns together. 

Important alliances have been established with schools and universities to promote research projects and monitoring of the reforested areas. This has made it possible not only to evaluate the impact of the plantings but also to involve young people in environmental conservation.

In conclusion, mangrove restoration in Puerto Rico has proven to be a successful, collective effort. Thanks to Surfrider’s volunteers and local communities, the foundations are being laid for a more sustainable future on the island by ensuring that these vital ecosystems will continue to thrive and benefit future generations.