Toucan Protocol : TCO2-VCS-1764-2020

 to mitigate climate change, reduce natural disaster risks, and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities. By planting native mangrove species such as 

 under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the project adheres to the 

Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR)

Wetlands Restoration and Conservation (WRC)

Spanning 2015 to 2035, the project focuses on the village tracts of Magyi, Thabawkan, and Thaegone, aiming to establish a resilient mangrove ecosystem.

Myanmar is home to some of the world's richest mangrove ecosystems but suffers from one of the highest rates of mangrove deforestation, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices, industrial expansion, and widespread poverty. Mangroves play a critical role in 

. Despite their importance, only 5% of Myanmar's mangroves are legally protected, underscoring the urgency for restoration projects like this.

They provide habitats for thousands of species and significantly contribute to fish and invertebrate productivity.

, serving as natural shields against coastal erosion and storms.

In addition to reforestation and afforestation efforts, the project supports sustainable livelihoods for local communities through initiatives such as:

Establishing community-based businesses, including an ice plant for fish preservation.

Training locals in skills such as seaweed farming and fuel-efficient stove production.

Creating employment opportunities with equitable wages for men and women.

Enhancing educational resources and infrastructure, such as providing school desks and multimedia equipment.

Constructing rainwater harvesting ponds, box culverts, and dykes to protect farmland and improve water access.

Local communities have been actively engaged in the planning and implementation of the project through participatory processes. A robust grievance mechanism ensures transparency and addresses community concerns promptly. Regular stakeholder meetings have fostered increased awareness and support for conservation activities.

By addressing environmental degradation, poverty, and disaster vulnerability, this mangrove restoration project offers a solution for Myanmar’s coastal regions that benefits both people and nature.

The carbon credits for this project are issued by Verra under the 

, one of the world’s most widely used GHG crediting programs. Verra’s programs offer comprehensive methodologies and frameworks that support the design and implementation of carbon reduction, sustainable development, and plastic waste reduction projects globally.

The proposed project falls under the ARR (Afforestation, reforestation, and Revegetation) category of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). The project will be implemented on 2265.47 ha of degraded lands of the Northern part of Ayeyarwady Division of Myanmar. The lands that will be restored under the project belong to Magyi, Thabawkan and Thaegone village tracts and this restoration will create a healthy mangrove ecosystem.  The objective of the project is to establish and maintain a sustainably managed mangrove ecosystem for carbon sequestration, natural disaster risk reduction, poverty reduction with sustainable livelihoods in the coastal communities. A vital component of the project is the conservation of bio-diversity and establishment of the first mangrove gene bank in Myanmar.  This project was open for public comment from 12 June - 12 July 2017. Comments that were received are summarized in the public comment summary (OTHER_1694_11JUL2017)..

This project aims to restore over 2,000 hectares of degraded mangrove lands in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady Division to mitigate climate change, reduce natural disaster risks, and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities. By planting native mangrove species such as *Rhizophora mucronata* and *Bruguiera gymnorrhiza* under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), the project adheres to the Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) and Wetlands Restoration and Conservation (WRC) requirements.

Spanning 2015 to 2035, the project focuses on the village tracts of Magyi, Thabawkan, and Thaegone, aiming to establish a resilient mangrove ecosystem.

Myanmar is home to some of the world's richest mangrove ecosystems but suffers from one of the highest rates of mangrove deforestation, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices, industrial expansion, and widespread poverty. Mangroves play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and sustaining local livelihoods. Despite their importance, only 5% of Myanmar's mangroves are legally protected, underscoring the urgency for restoration projects like this.

Key Facts:

- Mangroves store an average of 394 tonnes of carbon per hectare, with some areas exceeding 650 tonnes.
- They provide habitats for thousands of species and significantly contribute to fish and invertebrate productivity.
- Mangroves reduce flood depths by up to 70%, serving as natural shields against coastal erosion and storms.

Community and Livelihood Development

In addition to reforestation and afforestation efforts, the project supports sustainable livelihoods for local communities through initiatives such as:

- Establishing community-based businesses, including an ice plant for fish preservation.
- Training locals in skills such as seaweed farming and fuel-efficient stove production.
- Creating employment opportunities with equitable wages for men and women.
- Enhancing educational resources and infrastructure, such as providing school desks and multimedia equipment.
- Constructing rainwater harvesting ponds, box culverts, and dykes to protect farmland and improve water access.

Stakeholder Engagement and Safeguards

Local communities have been actively engaged in the planning and implementation of the project through participatory processes. A robust grievance mechanism ensures transparency and addresses community concerns promptly. Regular stakeholder meetings have fostered increased awareness and support for conservation activities.

By addressing environmental degradation, poverty, and disaster vulnerability, this mangrove restoration project offers a e solution for Myanmar’s coastal regions that benefits both people and nature. The project not only preserves the ecological heritage of the Ayeyarwady Division but also strengthens the resilience and livelihoods of local communities, making a meaningful contribution to global sustainability efforts.

Carbon Credits

The carbon credits for this project are issued by Verra under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, one of the world’s most widely used GHG crediting programs. Verra’s programs offer comprehensive methodologies and frameworks that support the design and implementation of carbon reduction, sustainable development, and plastic waste reduction projects globally.

Afforestation and reforestation of degraded mangrove habitats

Reforestation And Restoration Of Degraded Mangrove Lands, Sustainable Livelihood And Community Development In Myanmar

This mangrove restoration project in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady Division restores 2,000 hectares to combat climate change, enhance biodiversity, and support coastal livelihoods. Planting native species under VCS standards, it reduces disaster risks, stores significant carbon, and creates sustainable jobs. Community initiatives improve education, infrastructure, and resilience while generating Verra-certified carbon credits.