SAVING THE MANGROVES
of BONAIRE

LEARN, ENGAGE, ACT

 The Mangrove Maniacs are a dedicated group of volunteers protecting these areas. Under guidance they help execute carefully planned interventions, monitoring of the status of the forest and management actions of a project endorsed by STINAPA, the Local Parks Authority, to ensure the mangroves are around for future generations to enjoy.

The importance of mangroves

Mangroves provide a wide variety of ecosystem services such as:

  • Improved Biodiversity 
  • Improved Water Quality
  • Provide Coastal Defense against storms and beach erosion
  • Carbon Sequestration
  • Economic Value through tourism and fishing
  • Cultural Value

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has a legal obligation to provide periodic reporting on the status of these vital ecosystems and dependent species.  To find out how the Mangrove Maniacs contribute to these reports, please click the button below.

Our mission

Through research and monitoring we are able to provide real time feedback to conservation practitioners, governmental policy makers or any interested stakeholder to capture any changes in the well being of this critical habitat.

Our plan

By combining research, monitoring and physical labor, we are working to better understand these complex environments and help return the mangroves to their previous natural glory.

Our values

We believe cultivating a sense of ownership among residents and visitors alike will be key in protecting the mangroves into the future.

Volunteer

Research and Monitoring

Community Outreach

Want to get involved?

Check out our upcoming events!

Maniacs in the spotlight

The Mangrove Maniacs have been fortunate enough to receive quite a bit of media attention over the last few years.  From Taiwan to Germany, we’ve been making international headlines.  We are always proud to show off all the hard work our volunteers and supporters have put into our projects.

Best 2.0+

July 2021 we were the proud recipient of the EU Best 2.0+ grant.  This funding will support mangrove restoration efforts through February 2023.  Click the button to learn more.

What's new with the Maniacs?

Sargassum: Friend or foe?
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Sargassum is a floating seaweed which can be found around the world.  Naturally it forms its own special habitat, home to a wide variety of animals which have evolved to specifically live within its dense floating forests.  Occasionally, small portions of this seaweed would break off and make its way onto neighboring beaches.  Decomposition of…

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Why are mangroves so important
800 600 Mangrove Maniacs Bonaire

Mangrove forests play a critical role in the island’s overall environmental health.  These forests act as important breeding, habitat and nursery areas for a wide variety of fish, crustaceans and birds.  These forests act as a natural water filter, improving overall water quality which benefits not only its inhabitants but neighboring habitats such as seagrass…

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Support us and keep us going

Are you ready to make a difference?

Our work wouldn't be possible without the help and support of our partners: