Although the area faces several challenges including economic hardship, the most pressing issue at the moment is the loss of coastal land. With the advancing ocean comes salt water intrusion, village displacement and the destruction of infrastructure.

What We're Doing

     The Palmarin Tree Project is designed to address the issue of coastal erosion by using the approved United Nations method of beach reforestation. Using donations to plant species such a whispering pine and coconut palm the beach can be reinforced in turn helping to slow the rate of the advancing ocean. With your help we are confident we can make a positive change in Palmarin and create sustainable methods for protecting the areas unique coastal region.

History

  If you talk to village elders they'll tell you about a time when it was considered a long walk to get to the ocean. Today their homes risk falling into the sea. The most dramatic case of rapid coastal loss occurred in the late 80's when the Palmarin peninsula was broken in two by a strong tidal flow. Around the same time the village of Diakhanor had to be abandoned when it was over come by a tidal surge.

     Although beaches naturally ebb and flow with time, the rate of beach erosion in Palmarin has been greatly increased by the deforestation of its coastal regions. The palms that once gave the regions its name have almost all been cut down leaving the beach significantly less projected. It is commonly said in Palmarin amongst the local community that the distance of a village from the water, is how long it has before it falls into the sea.

Getting Involved 

     We'll admit this is a tricky problem and we're open to ideas on how to solve it. If you have knowledge on coastal erosion drop us a line at palmarinoffsets@gmail.com. If you want to support our current reforestation efforts make a donation.