MANGROVE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION IN THE N

The coastal wetlands of the northern Yucatan Peninsula are a stopover and refuge for a large number of birds from the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways.

As the first point of arrival after flying across the Gulf of Mexico, when the birds arrive it is vitally important that they immediately find places that, provide protection and food to recuperate and refuel. However, the wetlands have been degraded and suffered extensive loss of cover, in some cases up to 75%.

The degradation and loss of mangrove and wetlands have been due to construction of roads, opening of artificial ports that connect wetlands to the sea, and hurricanes, as well as construction of urban, agricultural and tourist infrastructure.

With the interruption of surface flows and excessive evaporation, soils accumulate salt and reach salinity values that cannot be tolerated by mangroves.

As a follow-up to actions during the previous phase of the project, 714 acres will be restored through channel dredging and flow recovery in Ra Celestn Biosphere Reserve, Ra Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Cinagas and Mangroves of the Yucatn North Coast State Reserve, and El Palmar State Reserve. Restoration will be carried out on 247 new acres in urgent need of restoration in Dzilam de Bravo State Reserve.

The project will also reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities through risk analysis and modelling ecosystem services and adaptation measures; build local capacity and promote awareness of the importance of migratory birds; monitor birds and bird habitat use; and monitor the success of mangrove restoration actions.