Marismas Project in Marismas Nacionales
August 24, 2020

The Marismas Nacionales (MN) is located on the Pacific coast of Mexico south of Mazatlan and north of Puerto Vallarta in the states of Sinaloa and Nayarit. It extends 240 km from north to south encompassing 513,000 ha, including 113,000 ha of mangroves. It is the largest single expanse of mangroves on the Pacific coast of Mexico and all of the Americas and accounts for 20% of the mangrove area in Mexico. The highly productive MN provides a myriad of ecosystem services, including nursery and spawning habitat for numerous species of fish and shellfish that support a valuable fishery; important overwintering habitat for migratory birds; and food, material, and income for people that live in the area.

Despite its ecological importance and designation as a RAMSAR site and UNESCO biosphere reserve, the MN has lacked specific conservation strategies. Large tracts of the MN mangrove ecosystems have been eliminated or altered by development for agriculture, conversion to shrimp farms, construction of the Cuautla channel, and deforestation for construction and firewood. In a study of changes in mangrove extent in Mexico, the southern half of the MN in Nayarit lost more than 10,000 ha alone between 1970 and 2005, the largest loss of mangroves in northwestern Mexico. The opening of the estuary created by the Cuautla channel in the early 1970s greatly increased saltwater intrusion. That coupled with dam construction and flow reductions of the freshwater tributaries have resulted in hypersalinity and mangrove mortality.

EcoWB with partners in Mexico (Pronatura Noroeste and Environmental Resources Management Corp. [ ERM ]) and with funding from the ERM Foundation are involved in efforts to restore and protect the mangrove forests in the MN.

The overall project comprises two related objectives:

Successful accomplishment of both of these objectives requires a sound ecological and social basis. Without an understanding of the natural processes and anthropogenic factors influencing the health of the MN, it is exceedingly difficult to determine which actions should be implemented to prevent further degradation and promote ecosystem recovery. Current work is focused on preparing a proposal for a bio-physical-social assessment of the MN to provide that basis.

Supporting Those in Need During Uncertain Times

By Becky Muston • June 4, 2025
As a volunteer-supported ecological assistance organization, EcoWB contributes to the vital work of the international aid community—supporting humanitarian and conservation efforts where ecological expertise can make a meaningful difference. In recent months, critical funding and staffing for international aid once provided through U.S. government programs have been withdrawn. The effects are already visible: environmental and humanitarian programs paused, local teams let go, and progress at risk of stalling. Among the efforts most affected are those tackling biodiversity loss, habitat degradation, water pollution, and climate change—areas where EcoWB has long provided professional expertise and hands-on project support. In response, we’re actively looking for opportunities to support projects that need ecological guidance or technical capacity to keep going. With our global network of skilled volunteers, we’re well placed to step in where others no longer can. If you know of places, partners, or organizations where environmental needs are going unmet—or if you're looking to make a meaningful impact— we’d love to hear from you . We also encourage those with the means to do so to take a moment: research the organizations struggling on the frontlines, see where funding may have been cut, and consider offering your support. Now more than ever, action matters—whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply amplifying the work that still needs doing. 

EcoWB Welcomes Biljana Aljinovic as Program Manager

May 24, 2025
We are delighted to announce that Biljana Aljinovic has joined Ecologists Without Borders as our new Program Manager. Biljana brings over 15 years of experience in international conservation, having led projects across Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Her work spans both marine and terrestrial ecosystems and covers a wide range of areas, including sustainable fisheries, climate adaptation, marine regeneration, and environmental policy. She holds an MSc in Biological Sciences from the University of Padua, Italy. Raised on Mljet, a biodiverse island in the Croatian Adriatic, Biljana developed a deep connection to nature early in life. This connection has fueled her commitment to conservation and her focus on long-term impact and collaboration with local communities. In her role at EcoWB, Biljana will oversee our expanding portfolio of environmental projects, support the development of new initiatives in collaboration with partner organizations and communities worldwide, and help strengthen our internal systems to ensure we can respond swiftly and effectively to emerging needs. We’re excited to welcome Biljana to the EcoWB staff team and look forward to the expertise and energy she brings to this important role.