How 14 Women Transformed 110 Hectares of Mangroves
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📰 The quick summary: A group of women in Mexico’s Yucatán state successfully restored mangrove forests and ecosystem services over 15 years, bringing back wildlife and coastal protection to their community.
📈 One key stat: Las Chelemeras have restored over 60% of mangrove forest and 90% of water flow in their protected area, helping revive critical coastal ecosystems.
💬 One key quote: “All this vegetation is thanks to our work and our effort, all the exhaustion we experienced: it tells us it has been worth it.“
1️⃣ The big picture: Las Chelemeras, a group of 14 women aged 30-85 in Mexico’s Yucatán state, have worked for 15 years to restore damaged mangrove forests in their coastal community. The mangroves had been devastated by port and highway construction that disrupted water flow and killed the trees. Through careful restoration work involving channel digging and planting, the women brought water and wildlife back to over 110 hectares of protected wetland habitat. Their efforts have revitalized critical ecosystem services like storm protection and marine species nurseries.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: The successful mangrove restoration has brought back diverse wildlife including endangered fish, waterbirds, crabs and prawns to the area. Healthy mangrove forests now protect the coastline from storms while providing nursery habitat for commercially important marine species. The women have developed sustainable restoration techniques using homemade tools and natural materials, creating a model for community-based conservation. Their work demonstrates how local knowledge and dedication can repair damaged ecosystems.
3️⃣ What’s next: Las Chelemeras aim to pass their conservation knowledge to future generations through volunteer programs that have already engaged 500 university students. The group continues their restoration work while teaching others about mangrove ecology and protection. They hope their children and grandchildren will carry on their legacy of environmental stewardship.
Read the full story here: Mongabay – ‘It has been worth it’: The local women saving Yucatán’s mangroves
