Puerto Rico’s mangroves—and other coastal habitats—are important, for both the economy and the environment. They provide homes for wildlife like fish and manatees. They're also nursery grounds for juvenile fish, including commercially important species like snappers and groupers. But many of them were destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017. That’s where BoriCorps comes in: Funded by NOAA, this program is helping young Puerto Ricans restore habitats like mangroves while gaining crucial work experience.
Many young adults in Puerto Rico face barriers to entry in the work force—including access to sustainable wages, the cost of higher education, and the minimum experience required for entry-level jobs. BoriCorps addresses those issues by providing a stipend that’s above the minimum wage. Participants also receive an education award and gain experience that will enhance their resume and help them get jobs.
Restoring mangroves is hard work. At almost 700 acres, this is the largest mangrove restoration project ever in the United States, and they are doing a lot of work by hand. Their unique approach is designed to speed up the restoration process, and it’s showing great results.
Partners in the BoriCorps effort include:
Franklin’s Promise Coalition
- AmeriCorps
- Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
- Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
- 11th Hour Racing
- The Ocean Foundation
- Merello Marine Consulting
- Coolant
- Louisiana State University
- Local community members
