For the past three months, WIACO has been working on its large-scale mangrove restoration and reforestation campaign in its areas of intervention: Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, the Saloum Delta and Casamance are at the heart of this initiative, which combines concrete actions on the ground, inclusive governance and the strengthening of community livelihoods.

The aim is to revitalise wetlands, strengthen community resilience and make mangroves a real shield against climate change.

The program includes collective mangrove planting, assisted natural regeneration and the restoration of water flowsto reconnect ecosystems. In several villages, community nurseries are being set up, while small hydraulic structures are helping to desalinate the soil and revive rice cultivation.

An essential part of this initiative is the technical partnership with Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Their expertise in ecological monitoring, surveillance and sustainable management strengthens field actions and ensures that restoration is better integrated into national conservation strategies.

The campaign also relies on citizen participation. Co-management committees within the community, school clubs and local radio stations raise awareness among the population, while village brigades monitor the progress of restored sites. Women are at the forefront, particularly within the Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Savings and Credit Groups (GECCOM).

To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, Wetlands International Africa also supports the development of green value chains: improved stoves to reduce wood cutting, mangrove honey, responsible ecotourism and savings groups to finance local initiatives.

Expected results in 2025

Ecological: restoration of thousands of hectares of mangroves and wetlands, return of indicator species and reduction of coastal erosion.

Social: improved food security (fish, oysters, honey, etc.), income diversification and women’s empowerment.

Institutional: strengthening local governance, adopting usage charters and better enforcement of sustainable management rules.

A shared regional ambition

Through this campaign, Wetlands International Africa is demonstrating that a regional vision of restoration can strengthen communities’ resilience to climate change. Whether in the estuaries of Guinea-Bissau, the mangroves of Sierra Leone or the deltas of Senegal, the ambition is the same: to bring wetlands back to life, restore ecosystems and build local economies in harmony with nature.

Everywhere, the message is the same: ‘Restoring wetlands means restoring life.’