Mangrove Restoration for Coastal Protection

According to Climate Risk Index 2019, Bangladesh ranks among the 7^th most vulnerable nations to the impacts of climate change. The Sundarbans, located in the southwest of Bangladesh, is one of the largest continuous blocks of mangrove forests in the world is trying to decreases the impacts. But now several external factors are threatening the long-term protection of the mangrove forest. Also, the negative impacts of climate change such as extreme weather events and sea level rise putting both peoples’ lives and properties and the ecosystem at risk.

BEDS is a leading non-government organization for Community Based Ecological Mangrove Restoration. As of now, BEDS has restored over 330,270 mangroves covering 30 hectors areas in the Sundarbans region together with local people. Currently BEDS is planning to restore mangroves for the coastal embankment protection of Poshur River under Dacope sub district of Khulna. Maximum of the preparatory works have been completed like; discussion with local people and local govt., site selection, preparation for fencing and most importantly saplings collection. BEDS has been assisting local villagers to establish mangrove nurseries for their extra earning and nature conservation.

One of the women lives beside the bank of river said, “I need mangrove tree the most in my area. previously there was lots of mangrove in this area which protected my tea stall from blowing wind of storm but now it’s an empty embankment and during the storm season most of the time the roof blown away. So, I appreciate the mangrove restoration activity and always try to take participation and also monitor the planted saplings”.

We would like to thank all our donors for their contribution for us. We are also requesting our donors to start monthly recurring donations. For recurring donation please find the link below;

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/mangrove-plantation-for-coastal-protection/reports/#menu

Excess emission of carbon in the environment make our only one earth unsuitable for living. Specially mangrove plantation can be the only one initiative to reduce the percentage of carbon in environment because its unique nature of being capable to hold highest amount of carbon in it rather than others terrestrial tree.

Even mangroves unique root system serves as the barrier for coastal embankment erosion. BEDS (Bangladesh Environment and Development Society) has been working for restoring mangroves since 2013. Till now BEDS has planted 3,15,770 mangrove saplings which restore almost 30 hectors area in the Sundarbans coastal region of Bangladesh.

On 5^th June, BEDS celebrated The World Environment Day 2022 together with the 100 coastal people at the bank of Poshur river. Coastal people specially women and children took part in the discussion session on the importance of mangrove restoration and planted 600 mangroves at bank of river.

One of the coastal women expressed her feelings that “We had seen lots of mangrove in this river side. But when the road construction started people cut off all those mangroves and make the river side empty. Even my single efforts for plantation will not work for coverage the area. So, we all want to restore mangrove in our river side which will save us from natural disaster and create an area of natural beauty”.

Another local man expressed his feelings that “I am planting this mangrove because it will give shade, oxygen for me and my next generation and will save us from natural disaster also.

We would like to thank all our donors for their contribution for us. We are also requesting our donors to start monthly recurring donations. For recurring donation please find the link below;

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/mangrove-plantation-for-coastal-protection/reports/#menu

Links:

• World Environment Day celebration together with local people