Mangrove Restoration

AES has restored 5.4 hectares of mangroves in the Island of Galeta, a protected area in Panama. In order to fulfill the environmental compensation of the Colon project, in compliance with IFC principles, and in line with UNSDG 15 to protect life on land. This reforestation and restoration of mangroves is designed under the "like-for-like or better" principle.

The mangroves from this island were damaged from the 1930s by for the construction of a military communications facility. The reforestation and restoration of the island included the construction of water channels to create more favorable conditions for growth of the mangroves. Three species were planted: Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove ) in the most flooded areas and in the channels, then Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove) together with Conocarpus erectus (button mangrove ) in the less flooded areas.

In addition, biodiversity monitoring in the Isla Galeta Protected Landscape is conducted to measure the impact of the ecological restoration activity.

Mangroves are very important ecosystems in Panama as they protect the coasts and provide a home for many marine animals such as mollusks, crustaceans and fish. They also serve as temporary homes for many migrating species of birds. Mangroves also provide protection against floods and storms, which are becoming more common with climate change. The restoration of these mangroves brings about many benefits for the environment and supports the preservation of biodiversity, in line with UNDSG 15.