In celebration of Earth Day, the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF), Ban Lanta y Planta (BLyP) – Literally translates into “Let’s get up and plant” – and a group of volunteers came together to plant mangrove trees at Spaans Lagoen.
ACF, an independent conservation management organization, and BLyP, a group dedicated to restoring Aruba’s ecosystems by planting native plants, joined forces to contribute to the island’s natural restoration. As part of this collaboration, staff and volunteers from both organizations participated in a small planting event, sharing knowledge and giving back to nature by planting 28 mangrove trees cultivated by ACF and BLyP.
The event began with active participation from Prime Minister Mike Eman and the Director of the Department of Nature and Environment (DNM), Gisbert Boekhoudt. During the activity, the team demonstrated the full germination process of the mangrove trees. The next step is to monitor the survival of these plants in the wild to learn from the outcomes and improve future propagation and cultivation techniques. The ultimate goal is to restore degraded natural areas and promote the recovery of native plant biodiversity.
Why were these mangrove species chosen?
A total of 28 mangrove trees were planted, consisting of two species: Avicennia germinans, known as Black Mangrove (Mangel Preto), and Conocarpus erectus, known locally as Fofoti. The Black Mangrove typically grows along salt flats and even in saltwater but prefers drier areas because it can struggle to get oxygen when growing in heavy clay soils or submerged underwater. To cope with this, it develops special aerial roots called pneumatophores, which stick out above the ground like fingers or snorkels to absorb oxygen. These trees are recognizable by the salt residue often found on their leaves.
The Fofoti, an iconic tree in Aruba, is highly salt-tolerant and usually grows along the edges of salt flats or slightly higher and drier inland areas compared to the Black Mangrove.
Why plant these mangroves?
ACF and BLyP are experimenting with the germination and optimal growth conditions of all mangrove species native to Aruba. The goal is to maximize future opportunities for mangrove planting. Fortunately, the young trees were ready in time for Earth Day, marking the first step in this partnership.
Why Spaans Lagoen?
The 28 mangrove trees were planted in a protected area within Spaans Lagoen, in locations identified as suitable for these species. The site is currently undergoing ecological restoration as part of the RESEMBID project, funded by the European Union under the “Turning the Tide” initiative. The planted mangroves will be monitored over the coming months for growth and survival.
It’s important to note that mangrove restoration involves more than just planting new trees. As part of the pilot project, environmental assessments revealed that improving water flow is key. Canal restoration at Spaans Lagoen is underway to create the right conditions for mangroves to thrive naturally, with the long-term goal of enabling ecosystems to recover on their own without further planting.
What can individuals do to protect Aruba’s mangroves?
Globally, mangroves are under threat, and in Aruba, nearly 90% of them have disappeared in the past decades. Since 2017, all mangrove species in Aruba have been protected by law (AB 2017 no. 48) and are also recognized internationally under the SPAW Protocol Annex III.
Mangroves play a vital role as habitats for small marine animals like shrimp and young fish and serve as feeding and nesting grounds for birds and other wildlife. Their fallen leaves provide food for creatures like crabs and oysters, which in turn support marine food chains. Mangroves also help filter land-based runoff before it enters the sea, protecting seagrass beds and coral reefs from sedimentation. Lastly, they provide coastal protection during storms.
It is crucial to respect mangrove areas. Do not cut or remove mangroves, and never dump trash in these environments. Keep a respectful distance and allow mangroves to fulfill their critical role in nature.
ACF and BLyP remain committed to restoring Aruba’s natural environment through native plants, supporting biodiversity and climate resilience. The Earth Day planting of young mangroves is just the beginning of efforts to learn how to plant more mangroves and scale up restoration efforts in the future.
To learn more about mangrove species, you can visit the ACF Greenhouse at San Fuego 70 or the Ban Lanta y Planta nursery in Paraguana, Noord.
For more information, contact Aruba Conservation Foundation at [email protected] or visit their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach Ban Lanta y Planta at [email protected].
