There are many methods that can be used to facilitate mangrove restoration, including directly planting propagules and growing seedlings in nursery beds before planting. Propagules are elongated, dart-shaped seedlings of various mangrove species, which typically grow from a mature, healthy mangrove tree. In nature, propagules begin their germination process while attached to the parent plant. The parent tree supplies the propagule with nutrients and water until it is mature enough to drop off the branch or be picked for planting.

At Manda Uwanjani, and at our other restoration sites in Lamu and along the Kenyan coast, Eden uses the direct planting method for mangrove regeneration. Through this process, we hire local community members to collect ripe propagules and sort them according to species. Then, our planting teams take the propagules to restoration sites where the various species are planted in specific tidal zones to ensure healthy, diverse forests. The newly-planted mangrove trees begin producing their own propagules in four to five years, leading to the ongoing natural regeneration of the area.

In addition to ensuring that only ripe propagules are planted, directly planting propagules helps save time and money when compared to propagule seedling nurseries. With direct planting, no extra time is spent on nursery maintenance such as weeding and watering, so that time can be spent on planting more propagules and monitoring their growth in the field.