Prince William Helps Restore Brazil's Endangered Mangrove Forests

In a recent visit to Brazil, Prince William took an active role in the country's efforts to protect and revive its endangered mangrove forests. Last month, the Prince toured the Guapimirim mangroves, a preserved area in the northeast of Brazil's Guanabara Bay.

Vital for biodiversity, the Guapimirim mangroves are the only remaining mangrove area in the bay, having been replanted after previous deforestation. William joined local teams in planting new mangrove trees, asking about their growth rate and pledging to return to see the forest thrive.

The Prince also spoke with fishermen using traditional methods to catch fish in the mangrove-lined waterways. He learned about the "Guardians of the Mangroves," a team of local residents hired to maintain the area, picking up litter and caring for the newly planted saplings.

Experts note that mangrove forests are just as important as tropical rainforests for carbon capture, with one hectare of mangroves absorbing five times more carbon than an equivalent area of rainforest. Brazil's government acknowledges the challenge of past environmental mismanagement, but is now determined to prioritize mangrove conservation as part of its broader sustainability efforts.