I have been involved with the Mangrove Action Project (MAP) since it was founded over two decades ago. Although MAP is a small organization with limited funding, MAP has certainly had a considerable impact on the issues that it has engaged with. If it had more funding, it
Mission: Partnering with mangrove forest communities, grassroots NGOs, researchers and local governments to conserve and restore mangrove forests and related coastal ecosystems, while promoting community-based, sustainable management of coastal resources.
Target demographics: Forest managers, government officials, NGO personnel, community members, photographers, students and teachers in environmental education, nature enthusiasts, and young artists passionate about conservation.
Direct beneficiaries per year: We directly help by guiding participants in leading community-driven mangrove restoration projects, educating students on the importance of mangroves, and providing teachers with resources to teach mangrove conservation. We also raise awareness through the Mangrove Photography Awards and foster creativity with the Mangrove Children's Art Contest
Geographic areas served: Southeast Asia, Africa, Caribbean, Oceania, and Central and South America
Programs: community-based ecological mangrove restoration (CBEMR) training, youth education on coastal ecosystems, and general public outreach.
I have been involved with the Mangrove Action Project (MAP) since it was founded over two decades ago. Although MAP is a small organization with limited funding, MAP has certainly had a considerable impact on the issues that it has engaged with. If it had more funding, it would have been able to do much more. It never wastes money, and its director has proven to be very ethical. He pays himself very little, and he never puts himself first. MAP has had much more influence than its funding would indicate. Money donated to MAP is certainly money well spent. Nothing is wasted. In addition, MAP has concentrated on pushing the right causes. It has not only been on the side of environmental protection. It has also been on the side of local people living in mangrove areas, and this is crucial. It is on the side of the disadvantaged small-scale fishers. It is a friend of small organizations on the ground around the world. It has always fought for equality and fairness. The only problem has been its limited financial resources. It hasn't sold out, and MAP definitely deserves out support.
Each dollar spent goes a long way with the Mangrove Action Project, as they work with individuals in the field and have a large and diverse web of contacts that produces results.