☰
×

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.

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.

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, 3,000 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 2,000 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, nearly 1,500 children in and around the school were reached.

Impact at a Glance

3,000

Mangroves Planted

2,000

Residents Reached Through Awareness Sessions

1,500

Children Reached Through Educational Clubs

Get Involved

Discover other community grants projects

EXPLORE GRANT PROJECTS

Support grassroots initiatives around the globe

FUND A GRANT

Support grassroots work in your community

NOMINATE A GRANT

Join the Swell

Join the Oceanic Global community to receive news invitations to upcoming events.

Join the Swell