Mangrove Conservation
Protecting Mangroves Through Science, Restoration, and Community
The FOSTUR Mangrove Conservation Program is dedicated to protecting and restoring mangrove ecosystems through hands-on conservation, scientific research, STEM education, and community engagement. Based in Costa Rica, our program works in coastal and estuarine environments where mangroves serve as the foundation for marine biodiversity, fisheries productivity, and climate resilience.
Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet, yet they are also one of the most threatened. FOSTUR’s mangrove program focuses on protecting these vital coastal forests while strengthening the natural systems that support healthy oceans and coastal communities.
Why Mangrove Conservation Matters
Mangroves play a critical role in coastal and marine ecosystem health:
- They serve as nurseries for fish, crustaceans, and marine species
- They protect shorelines from erosion, storms, and flooding
- They filter pollutants and improve coastal water quality
- They store large amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change
When mangroves are degraded or lost, fisheries decline, coastlines erode, and marine biodiversity suffers. Protecting mangroves is essential to protecting the ocean as a whole.
Our Conservation Approach
FOSTUR uses a science-based, ecosystem-focused approach to mangrove conservation that balances restoration, research, and education.
🌱 Mangrove Protection & Restoration
- Identification of degraded and at-risk mangrove areas
- Restoration using native mangrove species
- Monitoring survival, growth, and forest health
- Supporting natural regeneration through proper hydrology
🔬 Research & Environmental Monitoring
- Long-term monitoring of mangrove ecosystem health
- Biodiversity surveys within mangrove forests
- Water quality, sediment, and salinity data collection
- Contribution to coastal and estuarine research efforts
🐟 Fisheries & Marine Connectivity
- Studying mangroves as nurseries for fish and invertebrates
- Understanding connections between mangroves, estuaries, and reefs
- Supporting sustainable fisheries through habitat protection
🌡️ Climate & Blue Carbon Research
- Introduction to blue carbon and carbon storage in mangroves
- Monitoring climate impacts on coastal ecosystems
- Understanding the role of mangroves in climate resilience
👥 Community Outreach & Education
- Environmental education for local communities and visitors
- Guided mangrove walks and conservation presentations
- Outreach programs focused on reducing habitat destruction
- Promoting local stewardship of mangrove ecosystems
Ecosystems We Protect
The FOSTUR Mangrove Conservation Program focuses on protecting and restoring:
- Coastal mangrove forests
- Estuarine and tidal wetland systems
- Nursery habitats critical to marine life
These ecosystems are essential for maintaining healthy fisheries, coral reefs, and nearshore marine environments.
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
Volunteers and interns are an essential part of our mangrove conservation work. Participants receive hands-on training and contribute directly to restoration, research, and education initiatives.
Opportunities include:
- Mangrove planting and restoration projects
- Environmental monitoring and data collection
- Fisheries and biodiversity surveys
- Education and community outreach support
Long-Term Vision
Our vision is to build resilient mangrove ecosystems that:
- Support thriving marine life and fisheries
- Protect coastal communities from climate impacts
- Serve as living laboratories for research and education
- Contribute to global climate solutions through carbon storage
By protecting mangroves, FOSTUR strengthens the natural systems that sustain both people and the ocean.
Support Mangrove Conservation
Mangrove conservation requires long-term commitment, collaboration, and community involvement. Whether through volunteering, internships, partnerships, or donations, your support helps protect one of the planet’s most important coastal ecosystems.
Join FOSTUR and help protect the roots of coastal life.
