Guinea-Bissau

In Guinea-Bissau, TRI is addressing the critical loss of mangrove ecosystems, which have declined by 32% since 1940 due to agricultural expansion and coastal development. These ecosystems are vital for coastal protection, carbon storage, and biodiversity, making their restoration a national priority. The project works closely with local communities to rehabilitate degraded mangrove areas and restore abandoned rice fields, which are often located within mangrove zones. By promoting natural regeneration and sustainable management practices, the project aims to restore the ecological functions of these areas, ensuring they continue to provide essential services such as storm protection and fishery support. In addition to ecological restoration, the project focuses on improving food security and livelihoods by enhancing the productivity of rehabilitated rice fields and promoting alternative income-generating activities that are compatible with mangrove conservation. The project also includes a significant capacity-building component, training local communities in sustainable land use and conservation techniques to ensure the long-term success of restoration efforts.