Despite heavy investment, 70% of mangrove restoration projects fail due to poor execution and lack of long-term support

Mangroves have emerged as a climate solution darling, promising to absorb carbon, protect coastlines from storm surge, and support local fisheries. The funding has poured in accordingly. However, the reality on the ground tells a sobering story: research indicates that roughly 70% of mangrove restoration projects in Southeast Asia and Latin America fail to establish healthy forests.

The culprit isn’t lack of enthusiasm or environmental benefits—it’s poor execution. Many restoration efforts are led by well-intentioned, community-based groups with valuable local knowledge but insufficient access to capital, technical expertise, or sustained support. As University of Queensland mangrove ecologist Catherine Lovelock explains, success depends equally on social and economic factors as it does on proper planting techniques. Mangroves require precise tidal conditions, flooding for just a few hours at a time. Too much or too little water spells disaster. Beyond hydrology, projects must navigate complex issues of land tenure, community livelihoods, and long-term protection incentives.

A new breed of nonprofit organizations is stepping in to bridge these gaps. Groups like Seatrees are positioning themselves as intermediaries, connecting funders with local partners while providing scientific guidance, monitoring support, and communications expertise. Rather than running projects directly, they selectively back experienced local groups that already have community legitimacy but face capacity constraints. This approach has supported mangrove restoration across diverse locations from Kenya to Mexico, Indonesia to Florida, focusing on projects with proper permissions and genuine community buy-in.