Project Launch: 2-5-16

95% of the population on Venado Island relies on the fishing industry for food security and economic livelihoods. However, due to overfishing, restrictions have been put into place by the government and the island's inhabitants have been forced to look for alternative income-generating activities. One women's group has been in charge of maintaining and conserving the island’s mangroves, which are vital for conservation, water filtration, and shoreline erosion control. The women recently built a nursery and trails along the mangroves and have been educating the community and tourists about the ecological benefits of mangroves. This project will support the women's group as they expand their efforts to reforest the island's mangroves and expand their environmental, entrepreneurial work.