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Mangroves and Coastal Resilience: Protecting Puerto Rico’s Coastlines
Every July 26, the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is observed, a date proclaimed by UNESCO to highlight the importance of these ecosystems, which are essential for coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration. In Puerto Rico, mangroves serve as natural shields that help reduce erosion, buffer wave action, and protect communities from storms and hurricanes. However, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and environmental degradation continue to threaten our coastlines.
In response to these challenges, nature-based solutions play a critical role in strengthening coastal resilience. Restoring ecosystems through the planting of native species helps stabilize soils, reduce sand loss, and protect vulnerable areas.
Rescate Costero: A Nature-Based Solution
As part of this effort, Rescate Costero, an initiative of FirstBank’s One with the Environment program, promotes the restoration of coastal areas through the planting of native trees and shrubs adapted to Puerto Rico’s shoreline. Since 2023, the program has been working toward its goal of planting 25,000 native trees over three years to support prevention, mitigation, and adaptation efforts related to coastal erosion.
To date, Rescate Costero has planted 21,648 trees, impacting more than 37,743 linear feet of coastline across municipalities throughout the Island.
Among the species planted are sea grape, cocoplum, scaevola, gumbo limbo, pigeon plum, and mangroves, including buttonwood mangrove, a species that contributes to strengthening natural barriers against erosion.
Beyond environmental restoration, Rescate Costero brings together volunteers, students, municipalities, and partner organizations, promoting environmental education and community engagement.
Mangrove conservation and coastal restoration are investments in Puerto Rico’s resilience. Every tree planted strengthens our ecosystems and contributes to a more sustainable future for the Island.
Interested in getting involved? Visit unoconelambiente.com to learn about upcoming planting events and how you can contribute to the protection and restoration of Puerto Rico’s coastlines.
FDIC Member.
