From Cutting Mangroves to Growing Business: Laura Sania’s Journey
-
Coasts & Deltas
Long-term mangrove restoration outcomes require that local communities actively steward restored ecosystems and take ownership of the solutions that sustain them. Planting-only participation, for example though cash-for-work approaches rarely secures long-term stewardship. Ecological Mangrove Restoration projects build in participatory design, understand and consider land tenure, recognize traditional knowledge, and integrate existing and future livelihood opportunities from the start. When communities benefit directly from restored ecosystems — whether through fishing, sustainable harvesting, or ecotourism — they are more likely to protect them for the future.
Wetlands International puts particular focus on supporting local women with mangrove-friendly or alternative livelihoods. This supports their livelihoods and reduces the pressure on mangroves.
For instance, we empower women through 45 savings and loans groups to secure funding for alternative livelihoods. In Guinea Bissau, these groups, which offer access to small loans, have helped more than 1,000 women start small businesses, like palm oil production and vegetable farming, allowing them to support their families and contribute to the community’s resilience.
Laura Sania used to cut mangroves for collecting oysters. She was not aware of the benefits of mangroves, such as for fisheries and food products. Now she’s part of the Savings and Loans group in Apilho village. She has borrowed money to invest in her palm oil business.
Wetlands International showed us the importance of mangroves and helped us set up a savings and loans group, which has allowed me to borrow money and pay the people who help me make palm oil. We’ve stopped cutting mangroves, and now we have so much fish.
Laye Ndiaye, Wetlands International West Africa: “Laura’s story and that of many like her makes me confident that the mangrove projects are not just about restoring and protecting vegetation, they’re about transforming lives. The savings and loans groups, in particular, have become a critical tool for empowering women and ensuring that the benefits of restoration are felt throughout the community.”
