In April 2025, under the new moon, a major planting event took place in the Bombetoka Bay, with 18,742 mangrove propagules planted on behalf of Go Forest. More than 120 planters from the local community participated, including many fishers who became planters for the occasion. These planting days mobilized the very people who depend on the mangroves’ health for their daily fishing activities and livelihoods.

👉 The moon plays a key role in influencing tides, creating what are known as spring tides — the highest tides. These high tides are ideal for planting mangroves, as they bring saltwater further inland, flooding the soils and facilitating the natural rooting of the propagules. By planting during these specific days, we maximize the survival, growth, and integration of young mangroves into their ecosystem.

The restored mangroves serve essential functions: 🌱 They protect coastal villages from erosion and storms 🌱 They act as natural nurseries for fish, shrimp, and crabs — critical for local fisheries 🌱 They sequester significant amounts of carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation

During these days, the planters proudly wore the project's t-shirts saying "Bôndy", embodying their role as the first guardians and direct beneficiaries of the restored mangroves. This initiative not only strengthened the ecological resilience of Bombetoka Bay but also highlighted the empowerment and leadership of local communities in managing and protecting their environment sustainably 🌊