The Jiquilisco Bay Biosphere Reserve, located on El Salvador’s coast, includes vast mangrove-lined inlets, lagoons, and bays. There is a huge number of bird species, many of which are threatened or endangered. The reserve, with 31 miles of coastline, was declared a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. The bay helps mitigate natural disasters and control erosion, and is a nursery for many commercial fish species. The bay is also one of only two habitats of the critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

In the bay is the 3,000-acre island of Madresal, home to about 430 people. Artisanal fishing is the main source of income. People also farm shrimp and raise livestock and crops; there is some ecotourism. Its mangroves are home to a variety of fish, mangrove crabs, crocodiles, snakes, porcupines, and anteaters. Plastic waste from upstream communities is a big problem. Some mangrove areas have been degraded for decades.

The community has received no outside support for community or habitat improvement. But Asociación Mangle, our project partner for Montecristo and San Sebastian Islands, has been working with the community on a plan to strengthen local knowledge and pride in the environment, increase food security, and do hands-on mangrove restoration. They will rehabilitate a 1.2-mile mangrove channel and restore 12.5 acres of mangroves, using proven Ecological Mangrove Restoration techniques. Our partner will also offer workshops on organic gardens, conduct an “Adopt a Green Corner” campaign to beautify the community, and hold mangrove cleanups. Murals will highlight local ecosystems, and a mangrove festival will celebrate the community’s commitment to conservation.

They will also use a Seacology grant to renovate the dilapidated community center and add steps and a ramp to a pier. These improvements will particularly help the elderly and those with disabilities.