Campeche Hosts Policy Accelerator for Mangrove Restoration

Government officials, environmental experts and international organizations are convening in Campeche this week for the Mangrove Restoration and Sustainable Management Policy Accelerator 2025, a capacity-building initiative aimed at developing laws, public incentives and financial mechanisms to restore mangrove ecosystems.

The event, held from May 5 to 9, is organized by the Ministry of Environment, Biodiversity, Climate Change and Energy of Campeche (SEMABICCE), the World Resources Institute (WRI) Mexico, the 20x20 Initiative, and the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF).

Focused on strengthening public policy for mangrove restoration, the accelerator provides tools and training for decision-makers through high-level dialogues, technical sessions, and a site visit to a local restoration project in Isla Aguada. Participants are expected to use insights to design or enhance legislation and incentive programs.

Mexico is home to extensive mangrove forests, and Campeche ranks as the second-largest state in mangrove coverage, with over 200,000ha. This ecological role brings a significant responsibility to preserve the resource, organizers said. In 2023, the state allocated nearly MX$500,000 (US$25,457) to restore 400ha and reforest 60ha in Isla Arena, directly employing 80 women and 20 men. The project was co-financed by the international NGO DUMACK and the UN Small Grants Programme (PPD).

Opening remarks emphasized that mangrove restoration involves not only ecological recovery but also governance, social equity, and sustainable development. International initiatives such as the Global Mangrove Alliance and 20x20 shared cross-country goals and collaboration strategies. From the Mexican side, national efforts like the Agreement for Forests, Jungles, and Mangroves and grassroots work by RE3CO, which has restored over 1,000ha, were highlighted.

Guatemalan representatives presented policy goals and restoration actions, aligning with a shared understanding that long-term impact requires community involvement, science-based monitoring tools and institutional support. Tools like AURORA and CONABIO’s monitoring system were identified as key components for project sustainability.

Participants also engaged in thematic roundtables to examine the root causes of mangrove degradation, institutional gaps, and pathways toward inclusive and effective conservation models. Discussions centered around science, cooperation, territorial approaches, leadership, and urgency.