For generations, women in Sierra Leone have supported their families by harvesting oysters from mangrove forests along the coast near Freetown. The physically demanding work, carried out in muddy waters and intense heat, provides food and income for many households. But the future of this traditional livelihood is increasingly uncertain as mangrove forests disappear due to deforestation, urban expansion, illegal construction and over-harvesting. Local women say oyster harvests are already declining as more mangroves are cut down for land and firewood. Environmental groups warn that over a quarter of the country’s mangrove cover has vanished since 1990, threatening both wildlife and the livelihoods of coastal communities. In response, conservation projects are now working with local residents to restore mangroves and establish sustainable oyster farms. Community leaders hope these efforts will protect vulnerable ecosystems while helping families continue earning a living for future generations.