Description

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 about Mangroves:

• Mangroves store an average of almost 400 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 solution for Myanmar’s coastal regions that benefits both people and nature.

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.