In Cycle 1, the Mangrove Community Restoration Initiative in Manzanillo, Costa Rica (July 2024–March 2025) achieved a strong environmental and social impact. It planted 1,200 mangroves, restoring 500m² of forest, with 300 seedlings in a nursery for future planting.The project created jobs for 16 women, boosting local economic resilience, and involved 22 children in reforestation to foster youth stewardship. Its documentary “Women of the Mangrove” was screened at seven film festivals, including New York Climate Week, winning Best Documentary at Films for the Forest.In Cycle 2, the team aims to reforest 500m² more, strengthen coastal protection, and expand youth education through scholarships, leadership training, and school-based conservation programs.
Astrid Peraza is a materials engineer, climate, and gender equality activist from Costa Rica. She is a Future Rising Fellow. A year ago, she went to film a documentary focused on the women's cooperative of the rural village of Manzanillo, Puntarenas.
