Protecting our blue planet: mangroves, oceans, and small-scale fishers

Environment and climate changeNature-based Solutions

Theme pack

Dear broadcasting partners,

Our theme pack this month features resources about mangroves, oceans, and fishing. These topics are vital to the health of our planet and the well-being of coastal communities. Mangroves act as natural protectors of shorelines, reduce erosion, and provide essential breeding grounds for many fish species. Oceans regulate our climate, absorb carbon dioxide, and support the livelihoods of millions of people through fishing and tourism.

This year, World Ocean Day continues with the multi-year theme Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate, which encourages global efforts to build a sustainable society and ensure a healthy blue planet. At the same time, World Environment Day 2025 highlights the urgent need to #BeatPlasticPollution, focusing on ending plastic waste that threatens marine ecosystems and human health alike.

Fishing—particularly small-scale and artisanal fishing—is deeply connected to these themes. These fishers depend on healthy oceans and intact mangrove ecosystems, but they are also among the most affected by climate change and plastic pollution. This month’s theme pack explores how protecting marine environments and restoring coastal ecosystems like mangroves can support both people and the planet.

We invite you to explore the included radio resources and interview scripts that highlight local efforts, share expert insights, and amplify the voices of those working to protect our oceans and coasts.

 

Interviews 

Mangrove rehabilitation and replanting

Rehabilitating mangroves in Ghana

Planted buffer zones protect watercourses

Farmers sustainably grow vegetables and fruits while protecting wetlands

 

Barza Wire stories

 

Burkina Faso: Farmers plant trees to protect watercourses from silting up

Côte d’Ivoire: Communities organize to protect the ecosystem by planting mangroves

Ghana: Communities rehabilitate mangroves to protect fish and rivers

Ethiopia: Farmers plant trees to reduce impact of floods and boost yields

Senegal: Women of the Saloum Delta at the heart of mangrove protection

Tanzania: Communities use cultural practices to manage mangroves, reefs, and freshwater resources

Madagascar: Women plant mangroves to protect ecosystem

Uganda: Fish ponds feed the community and protect the local environment

DRC: Farmers turn to ponds to compensate for regional fish scarcity of fish

 

We hope that this kind of “one-stop shop” on selected topics is useful, and that you can use the resources in this theme pack to create effective programming on mangroves, oceans, and fishing.

 

Please use and enjoy these resources. Let us know if they’re helpful—and how you put them to use in your programming!

Happy broadcasting!