Conference Agenda

Mangroves are critical ecosystems due to their significant capacity for carbon sequestration (blue carbon), biodiversity conservation, coastal protection, and contributions to fisheries and local food security. Despite these benefits, mangrove forests around the world face ongoing threats of degradation. Empirical evidence that evaluates the effectiveness of institutional arrangements, such as protected areas or community-based management specifically for mangrove conservation, remains limited. This study provides causal evidence on the impact of collective land titling and community governance on mangrove preservation along Colombia’s Pacific coast. Contrary to global trends, mangrove coverage in this region has expanded over the past two decades, a phenomenon attributed to collective property rights granted to Afro-descendant communities through community councils. Using a staggered difference-in-differences approach with high resolution annual data (2000-2022), we find that collective titling has increased mangrove coverage by approximately 20%, with effects becoming evident ten years after titling. In addition, we highlight the pivotal role of women within these communities, whose leadership in defining and enforcing sustainable use norms enhances cooperation and ecosystem restoration. These findings underscore the importance of collective governance and gender-inclusive participation in conserving and restoring vital coastal ecosystems.