In Guinea Bissau’s stunning Cantanhez and Cacheu National Parks, Wetlands International restored over 2,600 hectares of mangroves in former rice fields —where planting had failed—by letting nature take the lead. With 3,000 community members and national park staff, the team at Wetlands International broke up hardened soils, breached dykes, and dug creeks to restore water flow. Mangroves bounced back faster than expected! Where natural regrowth lagged because of the lack of natural supply of seeds and unfavourable soil conditions, we planted selectively. To protect these vital ecosystems, we supported 2,500 communities with sustainable livelihoods. We also improved conservation across 96,000 hectares. Learn more in the video below!

Watch more videos about the mangrove restoration efforts in Guinea Bissau:

About the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 , led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and its partners, covers terrestrial as well as coastal and marine ecosystems. As a global call to action, it will draw together political support, scientific research and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. Find out how you can contribute to the UN Decade . Follow #GenerationRestoration.