Mont-Dore, La Coulée, New Caledonia
Thanks to your generosity, the project led by SOS Mangroves and Caledoclean, supported by A Tree for You, is making great strides towards restoring the La Coulée mangrove in the commune of Mont-Dore (New Caledonia).
Why restore the mangrove?
Mangroves play a crucial role: they protect coastlines from erosion, filter pollutants, provide habitats for fish, birds, and molluscs, and limit the flow of sediments that threaten coral reefs. Restoring this ecosystem will strengthen the resilience of Mont-Dore’s residents in the face of climate change, as well as helping safeguard the unique biodiversity of New Caledonia’s lagoon.
An ambitious goal: 10,000 mangroves planted
The project aims to plant 10,000 mangroves over five years, with a survival rate of over 70% – meaning at least 7,000 trees will take root for the long term. The first milestones have already been reached:
- setting up a community nursery in early 2024
- collection and preparation of Rhizophora stylosa seeds
- production of 2,000 young plants ready to be replanted by the end of 2025
- initial plantings to test the proper development of the plants in this environment.
Overcoming challenges with determination
Social unrest in May 2024 hugely disrupted access to the site and so slowed down the project. Yet, the local associations SOS Mangroves and Caledoclean remained dedicated to their mission. The plants were conserved in a temporary nursery, maintained and kept healthy and strong while awaiting future planting. As a result, the project has only been delayed by six months with regards its initial schedule.
An ecological project, a human one, too
Beyond its environmental impact, this programme is also a social opportunity. From nursery work to planting and monitoring the young trees, the project involves young adults aged 18–25 in social reintegration programmes. These give them the chance to gain skills and work in meaningful, practical jobs linked to climate action and biodiversity protection.
What’s next?
The first plantations will begin at the end of 2025, followed by three years of careful monitoring to ensure they survive and thrive. And this is just the beginning: with each collection season, new plants will reinforce the natural barrier of the La Coulée mangrove, until the target of 10,000 planted mangroves, including 7,000 long-lasting trees, is reached.
Thank you all for your support
Your donations are not only planting trees but also boosting a vital ecosystem and creating opportunities for a young generation committed to protecting the environment.
