Creating virtual space to build on mangrove momentum
Members kick off 2020 Global Mangrove Alliance Workshop Series
While the 2020 international conservation agenda has been disrupted by a global health crisis, the Global Mangrove Alliance launched a virtual workshop to maintain the momentum that’s been building around mangrove conservation and restoration.
This week the 22 organizations that make up the Global Mangrove Alliance kicked off a month-long series of workshops designed to share updates, learn from each other, and plan for the Alliance’s future.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get virtual,” United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean Peter Thomson said in a video message that opened the workshop series. “We’ve been able to maintain the momentum toward SDG 14 by conferring through the connectivity of the internet.”
Ambassador Thomson also pushed Members to keep working toward expanding mangrove extent 20% by 2030. “It’s a big ask but let’s do it,” he said.
“I know in my bones that coral reefs and mangroves are vital to a healthy ocean,” Ambassador Thomson added. “There can be no healthy planet without a healthy ocean.”
Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, opens the Global Mangrove Alliance 2020 Workshop.
The last in-person workshop in 2019 helped the Alliance better understand the gaps and needs of GMA members. The online workshop series will help complete the design of a road map to catalyze conservation impact and promote implementation.
“Every time we have this group together I get really excited about the potential,” Jennifer Howard of Conservation International mentioned in her opening remarks.
“We really want to talk about the future,” Emily Landis of The Nature Conservancy added during a kick off session. “We want to collaborate on global projects and enhance protection.”
GMA members attend workshop series kick off session.
Sessions run through November and are being facilitated by Impact by Design. The workshop will include discussions about the future direction of the Global Mangrove Alliance, virtual poster sessions for sharing knowledge, mangrove restoration best practices, and innovative finance for mangrove conservation and restoration.
Interested in joining the Global Mangrove Alliance? Learn more today!
