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.

Now Hiring: Program Manager

March 2, 2025
Job Title: Program Manager Location: Remote Organization: Ecologists Without Borders Hours: Part-Time (10-20 hrs per week) Term: Through December 31, 2025 (renewal possible, subject to funding) Compensation: Subject to grant funding availability and applicant’s level of experience About Us Ecologists Without Borders (EcoWB) is dedicated to environmental conservation and community-led sustainable development. We work globally to implement impactful projects that address ecological challenges, empower local communities, and promote long-term environmental resilience. Position Summary EcoWB is seeking an organized and proactive Program Manager to oversee ongoing environmental projects, develop new projects in collaboration with environmentally vulnerable communities worldwide and expand partnerships that align with our mission. This is a fully remote position and no travel is anticipated as part of this position. The ideal candidate has nonprofit environmental work experience, strong communication and organizational skills, and a passion for conservation and community development in an international setting. This role provides a hands-on opportunity to expand EcoWB’s project program, both internally and externally through engagement with potential partner organizations and supporting EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, while contributing meaningfully to EcoWB’s mission. Key Responsibilities Project Program Management: Working with EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, monitor and support ongoing environmental projects around the world, ensuring successful outcomes. Develop and implement recruitment and training for new EcoWB Volunteer Project Managers, and coordinate assistance to resolve project issues as needed. Actively participate in EcoWB Projects Committee monthly meetings, participate in reviewing and scoring of project proposals, and present recommendations for new projects to the Board for approval. Project Program Development: Identify opportunities for new environmental projects in cooperation with local community partners, design initiatives, and coordinate their launch. Develop and propose project program policies and procedures in coordination with the Project Committee. Outreach & Partnerships: Build relationships with international community organizations, businesses, government agencies, and other stakeholders to expand our programs and reach. Volunteer Engagement: Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to engage and recruit EcoWB volunteers in project activities. Grant & Funding Support: With the support of the Development Director, assist in identifying and applying for grants and funding opportunities to support ongoing projects and program growth. Assist Project Managers with providing project descriptions and success stories to the Marketing and Communications Committee and Development staff to illustrate EcoWB’s story through specific impacts. Monitoring & Reporting: Track Project Program impact through monthly, annual, and grant-specific reports, maintain detailed records, and communicate results. Minimum Qualifications & Skills Passion for environmental conservation and community-led sustainable development. Experience in nonprofit work, environmental initiatives, international development, and/or project coordination. Familiarity with norms and standards for international development. Basic budget management experience (or willingness to learn). Strong organizational and leadership skills. Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote work environment. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), videoconferencing, and basic project management tools. Professional proficiency in written and spoken English. Preferred Additional Qualifications & Skills Familiarity with fundraising or grant writing. Experience with environmentally vulnerable communities. Experience tracking project impacts and reporting outcomes. Experience working with volunteers from a range of backgrounds and community organizations. What We Offer Opportunity to lead and expand meaningful environmental project program. Flexible remote work schedule (with availability during normal U.S. business hours). Opportunity to work with highly motivated volunteers and help communities around the world address environmental challenges. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their experience and interest to HR@ecowb.org . In the cover letter, please include your expected salary or hourly rate for the position. Applications will be accepted through March 21, 2025 and reviewed in the order received until one or more acceptable candidates are found. On the basis of the information submitted, promising applicants will be interviewed by members of EcoWB’s review team. Work is expected to begin early to mid-April.

EcoWB’s Ian Hendy Helps Capture the Hidden Beauty of Kelp Forests

February 13, 2025
EcoWB’s Technical Advisor, Dr. Ian Hendy, has helped bring the mysteries of the UK’s underwater forests to life in a stunning new documentary, Forests Beneath the Waves. Commissioned by Natural England and produced by a team of filmmakers led by Dr. Hendy from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), the film offers a rare and breathtaking look at the kelp forests surrounding the Isle of Wight, Devon, and Cornwall.  Kelp forests are some of the most productive habitats on the planet, supporting a vast array of marine life and playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The documentary, now available on YouTube, highlights the importance of these ecosystems and the threats they face. “When Natural England approached me to make this exciting film, I was thrilled. I immediately realized the significance and impact this could have for policy, protection, and outreach,” said Dr. Hendy. “We encountered everything from beautiful sharks, stunning juvenile rays, mesmerizing cuttlefish, and even tuna fish! The vibrant life in our UK kelp forests rivals that of tropical coral reefs.” The film captures a hidden world beneath the waves, showing undulate rays and gobies sheltering from predators, a nursehound shark securing her egg, and a seal hunting for food. These forests provide essential nursery grounds and shelter for marine species, while also buffering coastlines from storms, increasing oxygen levels, and absorbing carbon dioxide. Despite their resilience, kelp forests are under serious threat from warming oceans, pollution, coastal development, and overfishing. Their decline is already being observed in the UK, making conservation efforts—and awareness—more urgent than ever. “Climate change is a big factor,” said Marina Rees, Marine Higher Officer at Natural England. “I have witnessed the increase of bleached kelp during heat waves, and escalating storms destroying entire parts of kelp forests. In the film, we even captured the crystal jellyfish—normally found in the Pacific—now appearing in UK waters due to rising temperatures.” With its stunning visuals and powerful message, Forests Beneath the Waves showcases why protecting these ecosystems matters—not just for marine life, but for the planet as a whole. Watch the full documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0iOQSjtVsLs