Sea Trees by Sustainable Surf

Restoring blue carbon ecosystems in Kenya, Spain and Portugal

Restoring vital coastal ecosystems, from mangroves to seagrass, and enhancing marine biodiversity through community-led initiatives and environmental education.

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The challenge

Blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass, kelp and coral reefs have the ability to sequester and store large quantities of blue carbon in both the plants and the sediment below. Mangrove forests for example are 5x more effective at storing carbon than tropical forests, and kelp forests can sequester ~200 million tons of carbon dioxide per year by absorbing CO2 from both the atmosphere and the ocean. However, mangrove forests are being lost at a rate of 2% per year, with much being lost as a result of illegal deforestation and trade. Other ecosystems such as seagrass are also being harmed due to high tourism and boat traffic, with seagrasses being lost at a rate of 1.5% per year.

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The solution

The Ocean has the power to reverse climate change. Through local restoration partners, who have established community and government relationships in each project location, we are planting, protecting, and restoring coastal ecosystems. In Kenya, we are addressing mangrove loss whilst supporting the surrounding communities by providing food, building supplies, energy sources and protection from storm surges and sea level rises. In Spain, through research, marine debris removal, community engagement, and the promotion of more sustainable mooring equipment, we have restored both seagrass and macroalgae around the Mallorca area. Finally, in Portugal, we are protecting seagrass by training local ambassadors to identify harmful boat navigation techniques that destroy seagrass, and educating boat owners on how to mitigate this negative impact. This will support the needs of the community by protecting and replenishing the ecosystem services seagrass provides.

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The impact

Overview

Kenya (Marereni & Mida Creek)

Portugal (Cambalhão Bay)

Spain (Mallorca)

Overview

Through projects in Kenya, Spain and Portugal, we have reached a total of 3,000 beneficiaries with over 100 activities delivered. We have been able to restore mangroves, seagrass and microalgae, and as a result we have also sequestered carbon, increased biodiversity, protected coastal communities from the impacts of climate change, and provided employment and sustainable development opportunities to the areas.

Kenya (Marereni & Mida Creek)

- Planted over 200,000 mangrove trees, sequestering carbon, improving coastal resilience and supporting marine life.

- Supported 1,338 community members, earning stipends for mangrove planting, with direct economic benefits for local livelihoods.

- Launched the TREEducate Scholarship Fund to support underserved students, fostering education and environmental awareness for future generations.

- Featured in a BBC Story works documentary, highlighting the Mida Creek project.

- Seen an impressive 80% survival rate for mangroves at select women-led planting and monitoring sites.

Portugal (Cambalhão Bay)

- Protected 0.35 hectares of natural seagrass meadows, home to seahorses, eels, cuttlefish, and crabs.

- Educated 543 summer boaters on seagrass-safe practices, reducing harmful anchoring practices in the area.

- Trained 8 maritime tourist enterprises to promote eco-conscious boating, ensuring the long-term protection of the seagrass meadow through community involvement.

- Empowered women in the fishing community to become leaders in ocean protection, with this project being 100% led and operated by women.

Spain (Mallorca)

- Transplanted 240 seagrass fragments to restore critical underwater ecosystems.

- Planted 25 sqm of canopy-forming macroalgae.

- Expanded the restoration zone from 5,000 sqm to 20,000 sqm .

- Raised awareness in 9 other locations in the Sado estuary, reaching 1594 people, representing 406 boats.

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