From Local Knowledge to Global Goals: Restoring Mangroves in Colombia

The development of mangrove restoration projects in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), the most important coastal lagoon in Colombia, has demonstrated the effectiveness of a participatory and socio-ecological approach. The success of integrating scientific knowledge with the traditional knowledge of local communities has led to positive and sustainable results for the recovery of this important ecosystem.

This restoration process was based on a comprehensive diagnosis that identified the main factors contributing to mangrove degradation (e.g. hypersalinization, sedimentation, canal blockage, loss of consolidated soil and reduction in natural regeneration). The restoration involved local communities, who not only contributed their traditional knowledge about mangroves, but also played a key role in decision making and implementation. A hydrological rehabilitation strategy was implemented that included the manual cleaning of 3.5 km of the main channel and the opening of eight secondary channels to facilitate the flow of fresh water; and the construction of 400 sediment piles to create optimal conditions for natural regeneration.

This experience in the CGSM highlights the importance of integrating the SDGs and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework into mangrove restoration projects. Through integrated mangrove management, progress is being made toward the goals of this framework by strengthening the participation of local communities, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystems, and improving the quality of life of communities. In particular, mangrove restoration contributes to Target 2 of the GBF, which aims to ensure that at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas, including coastal areas, are effectively conserved and managed.

The CGSM experience provides a model for mangrove restoration elsewhere in Colombia and around the world, demonstrating that collaboration between science, local communities, and government can lead to successful projects that contribute to biodiversity conservation and the achievement of the SDGs. This is a valuable contribution to global efforts to restore and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and their services, and encourages diverse perspectives, including transdisciplinary approaches, to advance sustainable and equitable management practices.