Mangroves expert Ngor Ndour, a researcher at the Université Assane SECK in Ziguinchor, has been helping the team make sure that tree density and survival rates will be up to standard in the more northerly restoration areas. Seedling growth in the southerly areas closer to the sea is fantastic, but the more concentrated salinity away from the coast can mean that seedlings struggle. Dr. Ndour and his students are taking 50 soil samples from the restoration areas, as well as from the Avicennia nurseries, which can be easily relocated to less saline areas if necessary.