Mangroves

EcoViva

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EcoViva LogoEcoViva has worked for decades with grassroots organizations in El Salvador to promote environmental sustainability, economic security, and social justice. By working with local fishermen and leaders to develop and implement sustainable use plans, EcoViva has helped communities ensure both the preservation of local livelihoods and protect the ecosystems they rely upon.

EcoViva’s successes have included the implementation of mangrove restoration plans that return mangroves to full health. These restoration plans have been recognized by the Salvadoran Government as a model for national coastal policy and rural development.  

EcoViva’s long standing work with sea turtle survival, and overfishing issues has created a strong local network where residents have changed their fishing practices to safer and more ecologically sustainable processes.

EcoViva will expand efforts to halt the destruction of 15,000 acres of critical habitat in the largest coastal mangrove forest in Central America, which currently faces an increased onslaught of threats from unregulated coastal development, overexploitation of natural resources, and climate change.

Mangrove Ecosystems are a vital but fragile natural resource. Mangrove forests thrive where freshwater meets saltwater, providing a unique refuge and nesting habitat for many species. With their dense networks of roots and surrounding vegetation, mangrove ecosystems sequester ten times more carbon than tropical rainforests. In addition, mangrove forests are essential for protecting coastlines, villages, and the mangroves themselves during storms and floods.

The backbone of EcoViva’s approach to  implement effective Mangrove Ecosystem resource management within local communities is called PLAS (Local Sustainable Use Plan). PLAS recognizes that the residents of each community are important stakeholders in the conservation of the mangrove ecosystem.

EcoViva’s continues to empower the residents of villages in Bajo Lempa in the Bay of Jiquilisco  to conserve resources, improve their livelihoods, and educate their peers regarding their critically important Mangrove Habitats.


Pskowski, M, “Communities Band Together to Protect El Salvador’s Last Mangroves”, Mongabay, May 23, 2017, https://news.mongabay.com/2017/05/communities-band-together-to-protect-el-salvadors-last-mangroves/

“Seven Reasons Mangroves Matter” EcoViva Blog, July 26, 2016, https://ecoviva.org/7-reasons-mangroves-matter/

“EcoViva – Climate Resiliency” YouTube, April 22, 2015, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnFOK8maa98