Lending recovery a helping hand

Written By: Kelli Palaka, IUCN  

In September 2017, two Category 5 storms struck the British Virgin Islands, damaging 90% of coastal red mangroves. The loss of mature trees, absence of propagules and remaining hurricane debris made natural regeneration and recruitment near impossible.

Fortunately, a strong stakeholder group including governmental, NGO, university and community entities has come together to support the recovery. Through the support of UK Defra’s Darwin Initiative, their combined work has led to successful small-scale restoration activities; a territory-wide mangrove Red List of Ecosystems risk assessment; and has laid the groundwork for a new long-term management framework for coastal resilience.

© Susan Zaluski                                                        © Gregg Moore