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Over a two-week period, a comprehensive community-based mangrove training was conducted, engaging more than 30 participants from Andros, Grand Bahama, and Bimini. The training combined theoretical instruction with practical fieldwork focused on mangrove collection, propagation, nursery management, and out planting techniques.
The program was developed with guidance from Mangrove Action Project (MAP) representatives, resulting in a certified cadre of over 20 local project leads. A centralized mangrove restoration database was established, capturing ecological data and field observations to support ongoing and future initiatives.
Following site assessments and biological evaluations, ideal locations were selected for the planting of mangrove propagules, seedlings, and saplings. Over 30,000 mangroves were successfully planted—exceeding the initial target with a total of 32,990 plants established through over 600 hours of out planting activities.
Project leads—trained under the MAP framework—managed community-based nurseries and led propagation efforts. Propagules were sourced locally to strengthen native resilience. Community expos and outreach events, including schools and civic organizations, helped raise awareness and mobilize participation.
Education and outreach were central to the project’s impact. Activities included children’s art workshops, school visits, and community forums aimed at building local understanding of mangrove ecosystems. Backyard nurseries established by residents produced nearly 50% of the harvested propagules.
Community engagement was further amplified through partnerships with local radio and social media via Waterkeepers Bahamas (WKB), as well as the popular Mangrove Mania Competition, which galvanized support and broadened public awareness.
The team developed a Mangrove Harvesting Manual and mangrove-focused lesson plans tailored for both primary and secondary school curricula. These tools support long-term education and replication of best practices.
Collaborations with NGOs—including the Perry Institute of Marine Science—enabled aerial monitoring and contributed to a comprehensive Mangrove Recovery Index report. Additional alliances are being formed through ongoing dialogue with national and regional conservation groups.
Advanced tools were utilized throughout the project lifecycle:
Google Maps, Skywatch satellite imagery, and ArcGIS for identifying and mapping planting sites.
Garmin GPS and GIS for tagging and long-term monitoring of individual mangroves.
Google Drive for streamlined data and document sharing with project consultants and NGO partners.
This tech-enabled approach strengthened both transparency and monitoring effectiveness.
2.5 hectares of mangrove ecosystems improved, delivering critical ecosystem services.
30 individuals actively applying knowledge and tools gained from CBF-supported training initiatives.
Waterkeepers Bahamas was awarded the first-ever Grantee Excellence Award by the Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF) for its outstanding mangrove restoration work in Dover Sound, Grand Bahama. In partnership with Blue Action Lab, Coral Vita, and EARTHCARE, the organization led community-based efforts to harvest and replant over 30,000 mangroves following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian. Funded in part by BPAF through support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the project emphasized local engagement, ecological resilience, and data-driven restoration. The award recognizes Waterkeepers Bahamas’ ability to meet project goals while meaningfully involving and empowering the local community.
Mangrove Mania is a community-based competition led by Waterkeepers Bahamas to boost mangrove restoration across Grand Bahama. Nine teams—including schools and local groups—collected over 14,000 red mangrove propagules, exceeding the original target. Supported by partners like Coral Vita and Earthcare, the initiative combined training, public engagement, and youth education to promote environmental stewardship. St. George’s High School won the top prize, and the campaign significantly expanded the Conservation Cove nursery to nearly 33,000 mangroves.
After over a decade of providing sustainable financing for the Caribbean region, the CBF has directly or indirectly funded an estimated 100 projects and initiatives that implement effective conservation actions. This database provides details of those projects.
