ORCID

Abstract

Mangrove ecosystems face significant threats from climate change and human activities. In West Benin, the invasive grass Paspalum vaginatum disrupts sedimentation and hydrology, creating anoxic conditions and nutrient imbalances. To address this, we implemented a cost-effective restoration strategy focused on hydrological repair, engaging local communities to excavate 26 artificial channels and clear 19 existing ones, restoring tidal flow to 30 ha of degraded mangrove forest. Of this, 20 ha were planted with Rhizophora racemosa propagules, while 10 ha remained unplanted due to unsuitable micro-topographic conditions. This intervention, costing $1394.3 USD per hectare, adjusted sediment levels to match natural micro-topography, enabling hydrological recovery and suppressing P. vaginatum. The return of Sesuvium portulacastrum stabilized sediments, improved nutrient retention, and facilitated mangrove regeneration. Over 24 months, restoration efforts improved physicochemical parameters, reduced ammonium and acidity, and supported the planting of 250,000 R. racemosa propagules at 25 propagules/m2 across 20 ha. At 785 days post-planting, survival reached 90%, promoting natural recolonization by mangroves along channel edges and by S. portulacastrum in adjacent unplanted areas. The 10 ha not reforested exhibited low P. vaginatum colonization, reinforcing the effectiveness of hydrological repair. This study presents a scalable, low-cost restoration model that integrates hydrological repair and pioneer species facilitation to enhance mangrove recovery. While still in early recovery, this community-driven approach establishes a strong foundation for long-term ecological restoration.

Publication Date

2025-01-01

Publication Title

Restoration Ecology

Volume

33

Issue

7

ISSN

1061-2971

Acceptance Date

2025-04-21

Deposit Date

2025-04-22

Funding

This manuscript was significantly improved by two anonymous reviewers and S. Davis. We thank the French Global Environment Facility (FFEM) for funding the restoration project. Likewise, we extend our gratitude to the community of Ouidah for their excellent work during the restoration activities. The authors also wish to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the government, field, and technical personnel from the Autonomous University of Campeche; the support provided by the Wetlands Program of SINAC; and the administrative work of Fundaci\u00F3n Neotr\u00F3pica and Fundaci\u00F3n Corcovado.

Keywords

community-driven restoration, environmental stress, hydrological repair, invasive plant, mangroves

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