Environmental stewardship
Restoring wetlands and expanding environmental education
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Since 2022
54,000+ students and educators reached by K-12 environmental education activities
500+ community members engaged in environmental stewardship
30+ young professionals exposed to environmental conservation careers
240+ acres of wetlands impacted by restoration efforts
Program description
AES strengthens coastal restoration efforts by partnering with local organizations to protect critical ecosystems while expanding access to environmental education.
Improving lives
Coastal ecosystems are vital for preserving local biodiversity, sustaining local economies, improving water quality, and building climate resilience, delivering critical benefits for both people and the planet. AES partners with local organizations to integrate ecosystem restoration with hands-on learning, volunteer engagement, and community outreach to deliver long-term impact. Through these programs, AES and its partners are equipping communities, including youth and young adults, with the knowledge and skills needed to protect natural resources and explore career pathways in environmental conservation.
Delivering global impact
California
AES co-developed the Coastal Enhancement program in partnership with community leaders, state government, and local organizations to support disadvantaged communities (DACs), in Southern California. In partnership with Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, Tree People, and Bolsa Chica Conservancy, the program integrates ecosystem restoration with hands-on learning, volunteer engagement and educational resources that reach students and community members.
To date, the program has restored or enhanced over 230 acres of wetlands in Long Beach and Huntington Beach, California, delivered environmental education and stewardship opportunities to over 54,000 community members, and accelerated plans for a new 100-acre restoration project near AES’ Alamitos facility.
Panama
In partnership with Wetlands International, AES Panama implemented the Wetland Defenders program, which has restored over 13 acres of degraded coastal ecosystems through mangrove planting. Through the initiative, young students learn about coastal ecosystems through field trips, field laboratory projects, research into wetland ecosystems, and training as defenders of wetlands and the natural environment. Since 2023, over 150 students have participated across three schools.
In 2024, 40 AES volunteers and 55 youth participating in the program planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings in Isla Galeta, Colon. Together with Wetlands International, AES Panama is educating youth on the importance of environmental stewardship to continue to protect natural environments for generations to come.
“Dear Tree People, Thank you for the scholarship so that we could learn about trees and nature. I love the hike you showed me. The view at lunch was beautiful.”
Partner organizations
