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Mangrove Restoration & Education in Benin, Africa

Oceanic Global has partnered with local non-profit Grabe-Benin to help restore mangroves and community capacity-building in Benin, Africa.

Project Overview

Mangroves play a crucial role in maintaining our planet’s fragile ecosystems by helping to prevent and mitigate climate change. Despite their significance, mangroves are under threat worldwide. In 2023, Oceanic Global, through its Community Grants Program, partnered with the local non-profit Grabe-Benin to restore and conserve mangrove ecosystems in the Republic of Benin, Africa. This initiative also aims to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and actively involve local communities in conservation efforts.

Oceanic Global’s Community Grant to Grabe-Benin was made possible by Sven and Kristin Lindblad through The Wanderlust Fund.

The Importance of Mangroves

Mangroves are crucial for safeguarding against extreme weather and natural disasters. They protect coastlines from waves and wind erosion, conserve biodiversity, reduce pollutants, and provide essential breeding grounds and nutrients for various fish and crustacean species.

In Benin, approximately 38% of coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, are threatened by the adverse effects of climate change and human activities, further exacerbated by regional poverty.

Guardians of the Mangroves

Presented by Oceanic Global, Written & Directed by Lucy Martens

Project Details

Official Launch

The project commenced with an official public launch event attended by all stakeholders, including the District Chief, village chief, elders, community members, and representatives of youth and partner organizations. The President of the Board of Directors of Grabe-Benin highlighted the motivations and significance of the project.

Mangrove Planting

To mark the project’s initiation, 1,300 red and white mangrove seedlings were planted and regularly monitored in the villages of Gogotinkpon and Avrankou.

Educational Sessions

In Gogotinkponmin, awareness sessions were conducted to educate local communities on the importance of environmental protection and the maintenance of planted seedlings. Nearly 1,650 residents were reached through these sessions, who then became advocates for spreading this knowledge to other community members in surrounding villages.

Youth Club Established

In Gogotinkpon, a club was established consisting of 5 teachers and 20 students to host activities and awareness sessions on mangroves. Children in the club learned about mangroves, their characteristics, and their crucial role in the ecosystem. They also learned the importance of protecting and maintaining mangroves. Indirectly, aroun 1,485 children in and around the school were reached.

Impact at a Glance

Dec 2023 - Feb 2025

1,300

Mangroves Planted

1,650

Residents Reached Through Environmental Education Sessions

~25,000

kg of CO2 Sequestered Annually

Special Thanks

Kristin Lindblad Sven Lindblad Lucy Martens Appolinaire Ousso Lio Amand Adeotchoun

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