Project Introduction: 

The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has constructed embankments to protect people from the devastations wrought by the tidal surge accompanied by the cyclones. However, it has been found that the embankments are poorly constructed and do not have the capacity to withstand the impact of the tidal surge. Many places of the embankments were washed away by the impact of the tidal surge during the two successive cyclones Sidr and Aila; and in many places erosion of the embankment is taking place much to the fear of the local residents. The project addresses the problem of vulnerability of the selected sites of Munshigonj and Burigoalini Union through developing a 16-hectare mangrove plantation along 13 kilometer of the embankment, through people’s participation.

As found during the past two successive cyclones loss to life and property was massive despite the fact that the Sundarbans took the maximum blunt of the cyclone.  Poor and extreme poor people suffered most and exhibited least resilience due to lack of sustainable income and an asset base; they failed to regain their normal rhythm of life for years due to poor economic condition.. Natural disasters cannot be stopped but Resilience of the people and their coping capacity could be enhanced if their economic condition could be improved through provision of support for sustained income generation.

Project Agreement Number: 77522-015; MFF 200; MC111

Overall Objective:

To create a shield with mangrove plantation to protect the embankment and adjacent communities from impending climate change-induced cyclones and tidal surges.

Specific Objectives:

• To create a shield with mangrove plantation to protect the embankment and adjacent communities from impending climate change-induced cyclones and tidal surges.

• To ensure effective management of the project.

Outputs:

• Community participation will develop a sense of ownership which, in turn, will contribute towards protection and conservation of the mangrove plantation in the long run.

• Once plantation develops into a sizable height, communities and the embankments will be much less affected due to the cyclone and tidal surge.

• A 16 hectare of mangrove plantation will be visibly seen along the 13 kilometer stretch of the embankment.

• Erosion of the embankment that is experienced now will be controlled to a significant degree.

• With close supervision and monitoring project will be able to achieve its desired objectives.

Project Components: Environment, Alternative livelihood, Institutionalization, Forestation

Major Activities:

• Mangrove seeds and seedlings will be collected by the organized group members.
• Mangrove seeds and seedlings will be planted by the organized group members.
• Bamboo-net fencing will be done by the group members to protect the plantation.
• Organized group members will select from amongst them patrolling guards to protect the seedlings/saplings.
• Training will be provided to the selected members of the patrolling guards on the modalities of protection.
• Red flag with pole, whistle, etc will be supplied to the patrolling guards so that while patrolling they can hoist the red flag and blow whistle to indicate their presence.
• Actions will be taken by the groups to fill the gaps through enrichment plantation
• Livelihood support, in kind, will be provided to the patrolling guards as incentive in lieu of cash payment on crab fattening, fishing gears, motorized/manual vans, etc
• Orientation/Training will be given to support recipients guards on the enterprises  so that they can earn better income return.

Project Participants (Direct):

Children (0-10)		Adolescent (11-17)		Youth (18-25)		Adult (26-60)		Senior Citizen (61+)
M	F	M	F	M	F	M	F	M	F
						146	188

Project Duration: March 2014 to February 2015

Financial partner (Donor):  IUCN

Implementing partner (if any): N/A

Project Location/s and number of Field offices:  Shyamnagor, Satkhira

Project Budget: 10 00 000

Number of project staffs and volunteers :

Staff (Regular)		Paid Volunteer		Non-Paid Volunteer
M	F	M	F	M	F
1	–	–	–	–	–