Costa Rican Willan Rio collects shellfish in the water among the mangroves in the province of Guanacaste. Every day he finds about 150. Previously, he could not even dream of such a catch. The number of shellfish increased when the local reserve began to restore mangrove forests.
Mangrove forests are a unique ecosystem. But since ancient times, people have cut down trees for wood, fuel and raw materials for dyes. Mangroves were also cleared for shrimp farms. Now, in many countries, mangrove forests are being restored. In Costa Rica, they plan to plant trees on an area of 137 hectares. The project is aimed at restoring areas damaged by salt production and shrimp farms. These areas were closed, and the restoration process began there, including the demolition of partitions. This provided access to tidal waters. Thus, the trees began to grow faster.
The reserve employees hire local residents for work. Along the way, they explain to them how important mangroves are. People began to understand that planting trees will not harm shellfish collectors and fishermen. Many species of commercial fish breed in mangroves.
