Collaboration in Action
- Global Mangrove Alliance
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 27
GMA Chapters Gather in Ecuador
Members from GMA National Chapters and the GMA Global team convened in Guayaquil, Ecuador this month for a workshop that spotlighted the importance of knowledge-sharing in mangrove restoration.
At the heart of the meeting was a simple question: how can we better support and coordinate with one another to strengthen the GMA?
Throughout the week, participants shared their own experiences, the successes they are proud of, the challenges they continue to navigate, and the lessons they have learned along the way. Passing on these critical lessons allowed members of other Chapters to bring back new practices to their own home countries and projects.
Our conversations sparked new ideas, uncovered common priorities, and opened the door to stronger collaboration.
The meeting provided space for the GMA Global team to share updates and resources, answer questions, and hear directly from Chapter leaders and representatives. It also provided the forum for feedback and improved communication between teams.
“During these five days of exchange among the different countries, we are seeing that we face common challenges that we would like to tackle together, seeking alternatives to ensure the financial sustainability of mangrove conservation and restoration activities, by combining scientific knowledge with the work done by communities and the information that citizens can also provide.” Carolina Rosero, Vice President and Executive Director, Conservation International Ecuador
One of the most memorable moments of the week was the visit to the Puerto Hondo Mangrove site, supported by Conservation International Ecuador and the GMA Ecuador National Chapter. Seeing community-led conservation efforts first hand brought many of the themes discussed during the meeting to life. Participants learned about area mangrove restoration efforts, a women-led mangrove and houseplant nursery program, and innovative waste management and circular economy initiatives that are benefiting both ecosystems and livelihoods.
The visit also offered a chance to hear from community members about their work to improve access to clean water, strengthens community wellbeing, and fosters environmental stewardship through education and recycling.
“The purpose of this place is first and foremost to grow mangroves, but also to provide a livelihood for women -- because it has to be sustainable; there has to be this economic sustainability so that they are truly motivated to restore and maintain this very important ecosystem.” Marina Flor, Representative of the Holcim Ecuador Foundation
As the meeting came to a close, participants left with new relationships, fresh perspectives, and a stronger sense of what can be achieved when Chapters learn from and support one another. More than anything, the week reinforced the strength of the GMA network and the shared commitment that unites us as we support healthy mangrove ecosystems and thriving coastal communities around the world.
“We know that we can be stronger together, we can achieve more, and we're more likely to have funding success when we join forces and design bigger and more impactful programs.” Mark Beeston, GMA Finance Working Group.
A sincere thank you to the GMA Ecuador National Chapter for their warm hospitality and for supporting the National Chapter Working Group in hosting such a meaningful and inspiring event. We are also grateful to everyone who traveled from near and far to take part. While visa and travel challenges prevented some Chapter representatives from joining us in person, we made every effort to ensure their perspectives were reflected throughout the meeting.
Photo credit: Laura Lozano, Conservation International Ecuador
