The Government of Ecuador, through the Ministry of Environment and Energy, began a mangrove restoration project on March 20 with the planting of 400 red mangrove (Rhizophora sp) plants in Guayas province. This effort is part of a broader strategy to recover degraded ecosystems and strengthen their resilience to climate change.
The initiative, led by the Mangroves for Climate Project, aims to implement adaptation and mitigation actions focused on conserving and restoring these key ecosystems. Mangroves play an important role in carbon capture, coastal protection, and supporting local communities. The event was carried out with partner institutions and the Sabana Grande Nueva Esperanza Crabbers Association.
Luis Arriaga, Subsecretary for Coastal Marine Affairs, said that the planting in Guayas marks an important step within a larger national ecological restoration process. He also highlighted the joint work between the state, community organizations, and international cooperation. “La siembra en la provincia del Guayas constituye un paso importante dentro de un proceso más amplio de restauración ecológica a nivel nacional,” Arriaga said.
To prepare for this activity, technical meetings were held along with field inspections and coordination processes with local organizations. These steps helped identify a strategic area near community-managed mangrove zones for the initial phase of restoration. The planted trees will be monitored as part of ongoing ecosystem recovery efforts.
The Mangroves for Climate Project is executed by the Ministry of Environment and Energy together with Conservation International Ecuador and funded by the Green Climate Fund. Its goal is to protect 150,000 hectares of mangroves and restore 4,600 hectares across major estuaries on mainland Ecuador.
With these actions, the national government reaffirms its commitment to conserving mangroves, addressing climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures, and strengthening communities that depend on these ecosystems.
