Mangrove Conservation & Restoration in Bangladesh

In 2024, the Bangladesh Environment & Development Society (BEDS) made remarkable progress in enhancing environmental resilience through effective community engagement and the implementation of nature-based solutions. With the active support of local residents, BEDS launched a mangrove plantation initiative that has since become a milestone for the community’s sustainable development and environmental protection efforts.

BEDS collaborated with the local community of Khutakhali Bazar to assess and select a suitable area for the plantation. After careful evaluation, 2 hectares of land were identified and allocated for this purpose. With joint efforts, 10,000 mangrove saplings of various species were successfully planted on the site. To ensure the long-term effectiveness of the plantation, BEDS appointed an Eco Guard, tasked with maintaining the site, monitoring plant health, and addressing any emerging issues. Recognizing the importance of local ownership and participation, BEDS organized multiple meetings and awareness sessions with community members, civil society groups, and stakeholders involved in mangrove conservation to develop a community ownership of the forest. These sessions aimed to educate residents about the importance of mangrove ecosystems, how they contribute to environmental resilience, and how the community could play an active role in sustaining the initiative. Through continuous engagement and trust-building, BEDS facilitated the formation of a Community Association Group. This group has now taken ownership of the plantation site, overseen its day-to-day maintenance and reported any challenges to BEDS for guidance. There are now monitoring of plantation growth and health regularly, addressing environmental threats or plant damage and ensuring transparency and inclusivity in site management.

This initiative has not only enhanced environmental protection but has also strengthened the community's capacity to adapt to climate impacts and safeguard their livelihoods. The mangrove plantation acts as a natural buffer against coastal erosion and flooding, providing both ecological and economic benefits to the residents. The project has become a model of community-led environmental stewardship, reinforcing BEDS’s commitment to sustainable development through inclusive and participatory approaches.

We warmly invite our development partners to support the scaling of this impactful initiative, helping us co-create a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for the coastal communities of the Sundarbans—where your financial contribution will directly strengthen community resilience and transform local action into lasting global impact.

We are requesting all our donors to start monthly recurring donation. Please click the following

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