The majority of the funds provided by tentree and its supporters enable Eden’s planting of mangrove trees along the estuary shoreline in Mahabana, Madagascar.
Two main mangrove species are planted: Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata) and Black Mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorihiza) help prevent coastal erosion and are key to restoration of mangrove habitats. They also produce timber that is used for firewood, the construction of buildings, and making fish traps. Additionally, various parts of these plants are used in folk medicine and the fruit can be cooked and eaten or the juice extracted to make wine and the young tree shoots and propagules can be consumed as a vegetable.
This is a shot from underwater, amongst the mangroves. The mangrove roots not only hold the soil together, they also create a habitat for fish where they can lay eggs and have shelter from predators. This creates a source of food for locals.