Our mangrove project aims to restore mangrove habitats along delta areas and coastlines where the loss of mangroves has affected communities and their livelihoods. Conversion of mangrove habitats for other land uses such as agriculture or shrimp farms has caused a widespread decline in the area under mangroves. Mangroves act as a green wall, protecting coastlines from the effects of storms and tsunamis. In addition, mangrove ecosystems play a number of roles, from providing safe nurseries for fish to capturing silt. The loss of mangroves has left entire coastal communities vulnerable to natural calamities as well as contributing to a loss of livelihoods. The project works closely with local communities to ensure the survival of the planted mangroves as well as with a number of livelihood interventions and income-generating activities.

Widespread degradation of mangroves has left coastal communities vulnerable to storms as well as caused a decline in fish stocks, and increased salinity of agricultural lands. Mangroves are among the most biodiverse habitats in the world. They protect coastlines from storms and tidal surges and are excellent carbon sinks, sequestering more carbon than an equivalent area of tropical rainforest.

The project seeks to create a ‘Green Wall’ of mangroves in coastal and delta areas, especially in regions where coastal communities are most affected by the impacts of storms. Species suitable to the area are selected by experts. The planting is done through a combination of direct seedling and transplantation of seedlings from nurseries.

The community is benefited by introduction of income-generating activities such as sustainable shrimp and crab farming, natural dyes and others as well as the creation of employment opportunities for project implementation and monitoring. Mangroves are known to stocks of improving fish and other aquatic organisms, thereby improving the livelihoods of fishing communities in the area.