Daniel, a local beekeeper, proudly participates in mangrove restoration efforts in Guinea Bissau
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Coasts & Deltas
For the people of Guinea-Bissau, the restoration of mangroves is more than just an environmental project, it’s a lifeline. Mangroves shield villages from floods, improve fish stocks, and protect vital rice paddies. The benefits extend beyond just environmental gains; they have social and economic dimensions as well.
Take Daniel, a beekeeper from the village of Baracca, who has seen firsthand how mangrove restoration has transformed his livelihood.
Daniel participated in Wetlands International’s project in Guinea Bissau to restore mangroves in abandoned rice fields, using ecological mangrove restoration approaches. Besides receiving a financial compensation for digging canals to improve the water flow, he received support with livelihoods development to reduce the pressure on mangroves. His initiative to produce mangrove honey showcases how alternative income sources are being developed through these projects.
Mangroves are our gold, they are very important for local communities,” he says. “We used to cut down mangroves because we didn’t know their value. But now, we’ve learned their importance and we’ve stopped cutting. And I even started producing mangrove honey, which holds great wealth for us.
Daniel’s story is echoed by many others in the region. The restored mangroves are providing new opportunities for economic development.
In below video Daniel shares his story, highlighting how community education, supported by Wetlands International, has transformed perspectives.
