Spreading the good word from coast to coast

Mangroves for the Future is fast becoming a vehicle for spreading the word that coastal conservation is a highly engaging and productive activity. Across the region, there are many projects that produce numerous communications and knowledge materials that promote awareness about coastal issues. These materials target different groups in society, such as school children, women, fishers, foresters, coastal managers, and government officials.

The book Investing in coastal ecosystems: Snapshots of MFF Small Grants (2009-2011), which compiles project summaries of MFF actions on the ground, will give the reader a first glance at activities that promoted awareness of coastal issues. The book features how different countries approached and designed solutions to coastal problems in a participatory manner. A Regional Synthesis of Small Grants A Regional Synthesis of Small Grants will show the reader how these projects contribute to the regional quest for integrated coastal management.

Communications and knowledge materials are not only in English. A variety of films, radio shows, and books are available in native languages in  MFF countries. A mangrove field guide in Tamil, produced in involvement with local ethnic groups a first of its kind for MFF, is a  locally popular product. A music video in Dhivalese brought together Maldivian musicians to sing about the merits of waste management and environmental awareness in  their islands. Seychellois residents and their efforts for coastal management have been featured prominently in French-televised news and documentaries. The videos can be viewed at the MFF YouTube channel.