About this project
Mangrove ecosystems are vital for maintaining coastal biodiversity, protecting shorelines from erosion, and mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration. However, Costa Rica’s mangrove forests, which cover 41,000 hectares, are under increasing threat from deforestation, unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change. These ecosystems not only serve as natural barriers against storms and rising sea levels but also sustain local fishing industries and support the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In response to these challenges, Verde Mar aims to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems while promoting socio-economic benefits for vulnerable communities in Costa Rica. With a mission to reforest 2,000 hectares of mangroves, our initiative integrates scientific research, traditional knowledge, and community-driven action to enhance biodiversity, support livelihoods, and build climate resilience.
Goals and Objectives
1. From my work with Greentalist I have experience turning an environmental project into a sustainable one from an economic perspective so I’m going to organize two workshops. The first one is going to focus on identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the project by creating a SWOT analysis. We are going to invite the whole community to participate. The second workshop is going to be for the women working the Vivero verde mar to create the business plan for the project. After these two workshops we need to have worked out all the financial aspects of how to make the project profitable.
2. For the next stage I’m going to design a social media campaign for the project. Right now, they don’t use social media, but this is an important tool to get people’s attention. I have experience designing social media campaigns from my work as an intern for the Worldwide teach-in.
3. I’m confident that with the business model in place and the social media image ready the project will be right on track to sustainability so for the last stage we are going to give scholarships to 30 high school students from the village. We don’t want the project to be only for people that come from other places, but we want to involve the whole community into taking care of the mangrove since this is also key for the project to be sustainable long term.
Expected result
The project’s direct impact long term is going to be 500m2 of mangrove reforested. Short term we are going to count the number of mangroves planted since December 2025 to July 2026. Mangrove reforestation has a significant positive impact on the environment and local community. By restoring and expanding mangrove forests, we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Mangroves act as natural barriers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis.They support commercial fisheries, providing a vital source of livelihoods for fishermen and coastal populations. Mangrove forests also attract ecotourism, creating employment opportunities and income for the community. Mangroves help mitigate the impacts of climate-related events, acting as natural buffers against rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and saltwater intrusion. Their presence can enhance the adaptive capacity of Manzanillo, reducing vulnerability and improving resilience. In summary, mangrove reforestation has a wide range of positive impacts. Restoring and preserving these valuable ecosystems is crucial for both the environment and the well-being of the community of Manzanillo, which has around 3,000 residents between man, women and children.
The project is also creating work opportunities for 16 women from the village. In my province, Puntarenas, the main source of work is artisanal fishing. An activity that has been severely affected by climate change and the pandemic in recent years. Women are one of the most vulnerable populations to climate change, and in this area specifically the impact is direct since work options for women are limited.
With the scholarships we hope to also impact 30 young people from the community so they will also transform into protectors of the mangrove.
About me / organisation
Astrid Peraza
Astrid Peraza is a materials science engineer, climate and gender equality activist, and storyteller from Costa Rica. She is dedicated to empowering women and girls, creating opportunities for growth, and inspiring them to become changemakers. Through fellowships with Girl Rising, Planet Reimagined, volunteering at Greentalist and as a UNCCD Land Hero, she has led impactful initiatives on mangrove conservation, land restoration, and environmental storytelling. Her leadership includes directing the award-winning documentary Women of the Mangrove, starting her own initiative for mangrove restoration, Verde Mar, and speaking at UN conferences. Astrid envisions scaling community-led conservation models across Latin America, merging science, advocacy, and care to build climate resilience and social equity.
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