UNESCO launches new comic book on mangroves from Latin America and the

How can a story inspire people to protect nature? InLas Visiones del Manglar (available in Spanish), we follow Valentina on a journey of discovery through mangrove ecosystems and the communities that depend on these remarkable coastal forests, highlighting their vital role in sustaining life and the importance of conserving them for future generations.

A story told through seeds, people and roots

Inspired by mangroves in Latin American and Caribbean biosphere reserves, the comic book unfolds across three chapters, each exploring a different dimension of these ecosystems.

‘Las Semillas’ introduces Valentina’s journey, the ecological importance of mangroves and their rich biodiversity. ‘La Gente’ focuses on local communities, traditional knowledge and the challenges of balancing conservation with livelihoods. ‘Las Raíces’ highlights the global significance of mangrove restoration, its contribution to climate resilience and Valentina’s commitment to conservation.

Together, the three chapters weave a story about biodiversity, cultural knowledge and collective responsibility, encouraging readers to discover the close connections between people and nature.

• © Antonia Lara Gómez
• © Antonia Lara Gómez
• © Antonia Lara Gómez

Where art meets science

The creative freedom is what we’ve appreciated most as a team. In projects like this, creativity, magic, and culture often take a back seat. Here, we were able to dream freely about Latin American mangroves, with deep respect for the land. We hope the communities will welcome this work with open hearts.

Antonia LaraIllustrator of Las Visiones del Manglar

Beyond its appeal to general readers, the comic book can serve as a practical reractitioners seeking creative ways to communicate complex ecological concepts and inspire greater engagement with nature

Connecting stories with restoration

Las Visiones del Manglaris part of the initiative “Mangrove Restoration as a Nature-Based Solution in Biosphere Reserves of Latin America”(MangRes), implemented by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme and funded by the Government of Flanders and Spain’s National Parks Autonomous Agency (OAPN).

The initiative brings together local communities, scientists and governments across 7 biosphere reserves from Latin America and the Caribbean to protect and restore mangroves through an integrated approach that combines ecological restoration, research, capacity-building and knowledge-sharing.

Through Valentina’s journey, the comic book invites readers to enter the mangrove, discover its magic and join the effort to care for these forests that breathe with the tides.

Read
Gómez, Antonia Lara
UNESCO
2026

More information

UNESCO mangrove restoration project
Man and the Biosphere Programme

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