Gulf Guardian Award: 1st Place Bi-National – Mangrove Restoration in Key Mexican Coastal Lagoons

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During 2015, Gulf of Mexico Foundation, Mexico carried out this major project to reinstate mangrove in four coastal lagoons at Mexican Gulf States of Veracruz, Campeche and Quintana Roo. Each site has unique environmental conditions and threats, and distinct restoration techniques were employed at each location, directly restoring 81.52 acres, and benefiting 370.66 acres of additional habitat.
Mangroves are important to humans because, among other benefits, they:
• Nourish coastal fisheries.
• Reduce flood impact.
• Promote connectivity with coastal ecosystems such as sea grasses and coral reefs.
• Filter water.
• Are one of the most carbon (C) rich ecosystems.
However, they are also one of the most threatened ecosystems.
Mexico is among the four countries with largest mangrove surfaces, but also has one of the highest loss rates.