WOMEN AND MANGROVES: AN EXCHANGE OF KNOWLEDGE AND INSPIRATION FOR MANGROVE CONSERVATION IN MEXICO

Mangroves

By Tannia Frausto Illescas

Mangroves in Mexico, covering approximately 2,200,000 acres along the country’s coasts, are vital ecosystems that help mitigate global warming by storing carbon, protect coastlines from hurricanes, and support local fishing economies. Despite their importance, mangroves face threats from climate change, urbanization, and pollution. Their conservation requires sustained efforts, where coastal communities—especially women—play a fundamental role.

At the same time, unchecked resource exploitation and systemic gender inequality have led to environmental problems that directly impact women’s rights, particularly in relation to land, water, food security, and a healthy environment. Climate change and natural disasters further exacerbate these challenges, disproportionately affecting those living in poverty, of whom 70% are women.

Women involved in mangrove conservation in Mexico often face aggression and discrimination. Chela, a member of the community group Las Guardianas de El Conchalito (Baja California Sur), shared that they have been insulted during conservation activities, with men yelling, “Go back to the kitchen!” On another occasion, they were threatened with a knife by illegal fishermen while conducting surveillance in the mangroves.

Guadalupe, from the community group Las Chelemeras (Yucatán), recounted how bus drivers sometimes refuse to let them board after a day’s work in the mangroves, claiming they “smell” or will “dirty” the vehicle.

This reality underscores the urgent need to recognize and support women who transform their connection to mangroves into concrete conservation actions. These women not only empower themselves by creating economic opportunities through restoration activities but also strengthen their leadership, improve food security, and build resilience in their communities.

In response to these challenges, WILDCOAST, in collaboration with Mexico’s National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), hosted the Second Women’s Mangrove Conservation Experience Exchange on November 5-6, 2024, in La Paz, Baja California Sur. This women-led event provided a safe space for participants to share their stories, knowledge, and experiences, learn from one another, and strengthen their support networks.

The gathering brought together 38 community leaders from across Mexico, including representatives from Baja California Sur, Campeche, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Sonora, and Yucatán. These women shared invaluable insights into conserving these essential ecosystems.

Participants were not only restoring ecosystems but also building a more equitable and sustainable future for themselves and others. Over the two-day event, they shared experiences and gained or reinforced practical skills in communication, mangrove safety and first aid, mangrove ecology, restoration, and blue carbon.

The event’s opening ceremony featured key environmental leaders and officials, highlighting the importance of the initiative. Notable attendees included Yadira Gómez Hernández, General Director of Regional Operations for CONANP; Everardo Mariano Meléndez, Regional Director for Baja California Peninsula and Northern Pacific at CONANP; Mónica Franco Ortiz, Mexico Director of WILDCOAST; Rocío Marcí, representative of SEMARNAT in Baja California Sur; and Martha García, General Coordinator of Guardianas del Conchalito. Additional representatives included Ricardo Aldaco Magaña of CONAFOR, Patricia Imelda López Navarro of the Baja California Sur DIF System, Cristina Gonzalez Rubio, Climate Change Director for Baja California Sur, and Natalia Rufo, Tourism Director for La Paz.

Thanks to the support of WWF and Mangrove Breakthrough Mexico, 11 women from Yucatán, Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Nayarit also joined the exchange. For many of them, it was a life-changing experience—some left their communities or states for the first time, and for others, it was their first time flying. This exchange marked a turning point for many participants, opening doors to new opportunities and fostering a deeper connection with women from other regions who share their passion for nature and restoration.

Women participating in these initiatives are not only restoring ecosystems but also paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future for their communities and the planet. This exchange of knowledge and inspiration demonstrates the strength and resilience of women working to protect Mexico’s invaluable mangroves.