Mangroves are vital

Project Summary

This initiative seeks to restore and certify mangrove ecosystems in vulnerable regions across West and East Africa using ONCRA — a transparent, science-based carbon certification platform. By accurately measuring and verifying the carbon storage capacity of mangroves, the project will enable local communities to access voluntary carbon markets. This approach is designed to attract essential funding, enhance biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience while creating long-term economic opportunities in underserved coastal regions.

Funding Overview

• Total Funding Required: €22,737

• Funds Raised: €0

• Status: Funding Phase

Project implementation — including fieldwork, certification activities, and community engagement — will begin once financing is secured.

Project Challenge

Mangroves are among the world’s most powerful natural systems for carbon storage and coastal protection, capable of holding up to 50% of oceanic carbon. Despite their importance, more than 35% of global mangrove forests have disappeared due to development pressure, deforestation, and climate change. In West and East Africa, progress is further hindered by limited funding, inadequate institutional support, and the absence of standardized restoration frameworks — making large-scale recovery difficult.

Proposed Solution

The project will leverage ONCRA (Open Natural Carbon Removal Accounting), a certification framework developed by Climate Cleanup. ONCRA provides transparent and scientifically robust methods for quantifying and certifying carbon stored in mangrove ecosystems.

Building on a successful pilot in Bonaire, this initiative aims to certify three mangrove restoration sites in Africa. ONCRA certification will help these sites gain credibility, attract investment, and participate in voluntary carbon markets—laying the foundation for community-led, financially sustainable conservation.

Long-Term Impact

Once funded and executed, the project has the potential to:

• Expand nature-based climate solutions through verified mangrove restoration.

• Create lasting economic opportunities by integrating local communities into the carbon economy.

• Enhance biodiversity and ecosystem health, improving coastal protection and climate resilience.

• Establish a scalable and transparent model for ecological restoration worldwide.

Next Steps

The immediate priority is to secure the required €22,737. Upon funding, the project will move into its operational phase, launching site assessments, stakeholder engagement, and the initial steps of ONCRA certification.

We welcome collaboration with donors, climate finance partners, and organizations committed to meaningful, verifiable environmental impact.