Dominican Republic: Making Space for Women in Mangrove Conservation

Jul 26, 2025 | Sumina Subba
Women4VBiodiversity
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Mangroves are the green shields of our ecosystem. In recent times, these green lines of defense are disappearing and with them, the protection they offer to coastlines, communities, and climate. As the world marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, the urgency to act has never been greater. In the Dominican Republic, Grupo Jaragua has been on the frontlines since 2020, launching a mangrove conservation programme in the midst of a global pandemic. Their work blends ecological restoration with community-led action and sustainable livelihoods.

In this interview, Aleyda Capella, Coordinator of the Manglares Educational Campaign at Grupo Jaragua, shares the ground realities of mangrove protection, the gender dynamics often overlooked in coastal economies, and why protecting these ecosystems means protecting futures.