Mangroves in Ecuador

Guayas delta, Ecuador
Mangroves cover large parts of the Guayas River delta in Ecuador, with significant areas protected, such as the 12,000-hectare Churute Reserve. These forests play a key role in climate resilience by acting as natural buffers against storm surges, coastal erosion, and sea level rise, as well as supporting biodiversity and carbon storage. However, Ecuador lost nearly 40% of its mangroves between 1969 and 1999, mainly due to shrimp farming. Although community efforts have helped stabilize some areas, mangroves remain threatened. The Guayas delta c...Read more

Location

Facts & figures

Socio-economic impact

Socio-economic impact

Socio-economic impact

  • The Guayas delta covers about 4,000 square kilometers and is home to 3.1 million people, mostly in Guayaquil— a flood-prone coastal city. Protecting mangroves there is essential to support local livelihoods.

  • Once fully established, this mangrove habitat will provide valuable ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, the development of sustainable aquaculture (crab collection and fisheries), and potential ecotourism activities supported by new bird species that will colonize the habitat.

  • To maximize success, the project incorporates community participation, with local fishermen trained in mangrove restoration actively involved in nursery management, propagule collection, planting, and ongoing maintenance.

Partners