Mangroves serve as lifelines for coastal areas, protecting communities from storms and floods and offering them sustainable livelihoods and food security. Importantly, they also help maintain healthy marine ecosystems and are powerful carbon sinks. Unsustainable practices and annual cyclones have significantly reduced mangroves in Myanmar, particularly in the Ayeyarwady delta region. In response, UN-Habitat Myanmar launched the Restoration and Sustainable Management of Mangrove Ecosystems projects in Pyapon and Bogale townships under the Myanmar Climate Change Alliance Phase 2 Programme (MCCA2), funded by the European Union.

Acknowledging the transformative role of local communities in ensuring long-term conservation and sustainability, the project began with the formation of Community Mangrove Plantation Cluster Committees in each township. Working in collaboration with community forest user groups (CFUGs), the cluster committees planted 125 acres of mangroves in both townships, including nurseries, implemented Global Position System (GPS) for real-time monitoring to enhance survival rates, and formed women’s groups to support small-scale livelihood activities.

The project employed a total of 252 local community members in replanting efforts, and the resulting mangroves will directly benefit 6,151 people living in both townships.

By ensuring community involvement and women’s active participation, the project not only protects coastal areas in the Delta region but also contributes to sustainable livelihoods and gender equality.

Mangroves are a perfect example of nature-based solutions (NbS), simultaneously contributing to both climate adaptation and mitigation while also creating livelihood opportunities for increased community resilience.

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