Women from Puntarenas have developed a reforestation plan for the Chomes mangrove, contributing to Costa Rica’s coastal-marine biodiversity conservation. The strategy, implemented by CoopeMolusChomes R.L. with the support of CoopeSoliDar R.L., began last October with the establishment of nurseries for the reproduction of red mangrove seedlings, which will then be planted in the mangrove forest.
So far, about 13,000 seedlings have been planted on the site. These seeds provide a habitat for various species, including crabs, birds, and mollusks like pianguas.
“We are working to have a clean and productive mangrove forest, but this project has also generated employment for the women of the community; most of them are heads of households. We have worked in two groups per month, five hours a day. Between 13 and 14 people work in each group,” explained Jiménez.
The President of CoopeMolusChomes R.L. – formed by 47 women and five men- indicated that the effort to reforest the mangrove started in 2015. Since then, they have planted about 10 thousand red mangrove seedlings.
The new project that favors sustainability has the financial support of Women4Diversity, an organization that assists the Convention on Biological Diversity in gender issues.
Carmen Pérez, partner of CoopeMolusChomes R.L., indicated that the reforestation plan has a double objective: to preserve the place where the mollusks reproduce and contribute to the development of artisanal fishing.
“We are recovering valuable ecosystems. There is nothing better than recognizing local communities and indigenous peoples’ work. In Chomes, we have worked over the years to strengthen and recognize the contribution women make to mangrove conservation,” stated Vivienne Solís, CoopeSoliDar R.L.
Costa Rica’s mangroves are among Latin America’s most developed and diverse and cover 0.7% of the national territory. They are vital for the ecosystem, and their protection is key, as they mitigate the impact of hurricanes, prevent coastal erosion, and are home to many species.
