Why Restoration?

The Mangroves of Guanaja Island were destroyed by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. They provided critical  fisheries habitat, a home for endangered sea turtles and iguana and they protected Guanaja's perimeter coral reef from sedimentation. This reef is a part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world. Guanaja's unique location is at the upstream origin of ocean currents and prevailing winds for the reef.

Due to geographic isolation and the extent of destruction, estimated at 95%, the mangroves have not recovered. Guanaja Island's mangroves are a critical component of the regions watershed and ecological balance and will have to be restored by hand planting.

Highlight!

                   Jimmy Carter                      Plants Mangroves in Guanaja