Grupo Jaragua is a non-profit civil society organization from the Dominican Republic, legally incorporated in 1989, dedicated to conserving biodiversity and associated ecosystem services on Hispaniola Island through collaboration with local communities and science-based approaches. The organization's mission encompasses species conservation, ecosystem preservation, environmental advocacy, education, and promoting sustainable livelihoods, with conservation efforts focusing on marine turtles, endangered trees, endemic plants, and protection of critical habitats. Grupo Jaragua pioneered co-management of Jaragua National Park, becoming the first NGO to manage a national protected area in the Dominican Republic.
BirdsCaribbean is a vibrant network of members and partners dedicated to conserving Caribbean birds and their habitats throughout the insular Caribbean—including Bermuda, the Bahamas, and all islands in the Caribbean basin. Founded in 1988, we are the largest regional organization focused on the protection of birds, with a broad-based membership of scientists, educators, conservationists, birders, and community leaders. Our mission is to raise awareness, promote sound science, and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate, conserve, and benefit from thriving bird populations and ecosystems. We work closely with over 60 partner organizations—including NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions, and community groups—to develop and implement programs that advance research, monitoring, education, and conservation action. Our core initiatives include the Caribbean Waterbird Census, Seabird Conservation Program, Landbird Monitoring Program, BirdSleuth Caribbean,
Project story
Restoring Life to a Forgotten Forest
For decades, this inland mangrove forest was under siege. Crab corrals, salt pans, and cattle ranching stripped away vegetation and compacted the soil so severely that nature couldn't heal itself. Though those destructive practices have long stopped, the damage remains—mangrove seedlings simply cannot push through the hardened earth to take root.
Here's where your support makes the difference: We're turning the tables by transforming the very community that caused the degradation into restoration heroes. Local residents are leading hands-on mangrove planting efforts and monitoring recovery, rebuilding the forest tree by tree.
We're also creating a designated walking path that channels foot traffic away from vulnerable seedlings while preserving community access to the shore. What was once a source of destruction now protects new growth.
This isn't just about planting trees—it's about building lasting stewardship. By empowering locals to restore what was lost, we're creating guardians who will protect this forest for generations to come.
Project updates
Team
Dominican mangrove revival with local stewards
Grupo Jaragua is a non-profit civil society organization from the Dominican Republic, legally incorporated in 1989, dedicated to conserving biodiversity and associated ecosystem services on Hispaniola Island through collaboration with local communities and science-based approaches. The organization's mission encompasses species conservation, ecosystem preservation, environmental advocacy, education, and promoting sustainable livelihoods, with conservation efforts focusing on marine turtles, endangered trees, endemic plants, and protection of critical habitats. Grupo Jaragua pioneered co-management of Jaragua National Park, becoming the first NGO to manage a national protected area in the Dominican Republic.
BirdsCaribbean is a vibrant network of members and partners dedicated to conserving Caribbean birds and their habitats throughout the insular Caribbean—including Bermuda, the Bahamas, and all islands in the Caribbean basin. Founded in 1988, we are the largest regional organization focused on the protection of birds, with a broad-based membership of scientists, educators, conservationists, birders, and community leaders. Our mission is to raise awareness, promote sound science, and empower local partners to build a region where people appreciate, conserve, and benefit from thriving bird populations and ecosystems. We work closely with over 60 partner organizations—including NGOs, government agencies, academic institutions, and community groups—to develop and implement programs that advance research, monitoring, education, and conservation action. Our core initiatives include the Caribbean Waterbird Census, Seabird Conservation Program, Landbird Monitoring Program, BirdSleuth Caribbean,
Project story
Restoring Life to a Forgotten Forest
For decades, this inland mangrove forest was under siege. Crab corrals, salt pans, and cattle ranching stripped away vegetation and compacted the soil so severely that nature couldn't heal itself. Though those destructive practices have long stopped, the damage remains—mangrove seedlings simply cannot push through the hardened earth to take root.
Here's where your support makes the difference: We're turning the tables by transforming the very community that caused the degradation into restoration heroes. Local residents are leading hands-on mangrove planting efforts and monitoring recovery, rebuilding the forest tree by tree.
We're also creating a designated walking path that channels foot traffic away from vulnerable seedlings while preserving community access to the shore. What was once a source of destruction now protects new growth.
This isn't just about planting trees—it's about building lasting stewardship. By empowering locals to restore what was lost, we're creating guardians who will protect this forest for generations to come.
Project updates
Team
Location
Dominican Republic
Round 3
Jul 1-21, 2026
Supporting community-led nature projects around the world.
Matching funds provided by
