Mangrove Restoration Benefits Community and Environment

The U.S. Embassy Apia, Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Lee Yoo had the privilege to cut the ribbon for the Moata’a Mangrove Restoration Project. 

The U.S. Department of State-funded Pacific Islands Forest Restoration Initiative, implemented by the U.S Forest Service, helps key Pacific island partner countries to plan, implement, and monitor restoration initiatives, improve carbon sequestration, and strengthen resilience to climate change. 

The Moata’a Project is an excellent example of how a small grant can benefit both the environment and the community. With the establishment of the Moata’a Mangrove Conservation Area, the Moata’a Council of Chiefs is demonstrating its dedication to protect, manage, and restore the mangrove forest. Your work will show the community, your neighbors, and your country the value of these mangrove forests. Your community efforts truly can have a global impact.

Mangroves provide so many benefits for communities. Wood. Protection from cyclones and floods. Potential ecotourism and important habitat for biodiversity. But they are fragile ecosystems and need our help.