In the framework of Interreg Carib Coast Project, SPAW-RAC co-financed a mangrove restoration workshop in Bonaire between October 25th and 28^th 2021 with the support of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and STINAPA Bonaire. 

This workshop was organised by Mangrove Maniacs who gathered over 60 participants (in-person and virtually) from 12 different countries including Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, the Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Lucia, Martinique, the Netherlands, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica and the United States.

The goal was to provide a platform for researchers, conservationists, park authorities and  anyone passionate about nature restoration to share ideas and knowledge on mangrove restoration techniques. 

This 4-day workshop particularly strengthened the mangrove conservation network across the Caribbean, allowing participants to exchange on transversal topics such as blue carbon, restoration using innovative techniques, sargassum impact in order to maximize conservation efforts.

The workshop was completed by  two days of hands-on experience in mangrove restoration, focusing on building and maintaining mangrove nurseries, as well as outplanting both along the coast and within degraded areas.

This workshop is in line with the objective of the CARIB-COAST project, which aims to increase knowledge and capacity building of stakeholders involved in ecosystem restoration as well as climate change adaptation using nature-based solutions.