The families and communities of the Laguna San Ignacio area depend on the local ecosystem for income and survival. Recently, climate change and its increasingly intense tropical storms and sea-level rise pose emerging threats to this region. In partnership with WILDCOAST, this project has created several paid jobs and training opportunities for local communities, allowing for an increase in stable income in the region and potential for future expansion.

The communities of the Laguna San Ignacio area are active fishing cooperatives, whale watching outfitters, and small-scale ranchers, all relying primarily on the surrounding ecosystem for food sources. The mangroves planted through this project will provide nurseries and feeding grounds for commercially important fisheries and other wildlife, both of great economic value, which sustain food and income for the local communities.

Gender equality is a fundamental goal of this project. The Laguna San Ignacio project is led by a group of 11 women trained by WILDCOAST in mangrove restoration and responsible for conducting all related activities, including mangrove seedling collection, planting, boat operation, and project monitoring. This will also build and increase these women’s capacities to manage the project, train others, and develop communication skills to advocate for themselves and their community for future generations.