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Mangrove Restoration - Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar
This project presents an opportunity to address the rapid deforestation of mangroves in the Ayeyarwady region of Myanmar by restoring and protecting over 2,000 hectares of degraded mangrove forest. Project activities focus on the restoration of native mangrove species, monitoring of encroachment, and the development of sustainable alternative livelihoods for local communities. In addition to delivering significant carbon benefits, the project also enhances biodiversity and improves ecosystem resilience to storm damage. Co-developed by the Worldview International Foundation and the University of Pathein, the project draws on the expertise of qualified mangrove restoration specialists. Local communities receive training in mangrove forest management, restoration techniques and monitoring, fostering a strong sense of ownership.
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Project information
Restoring Myanmar’s mangroves with coastal communities
The project aims to restore and protect 2,060.72 hectares of degraded mangrove forest in the northern part of the Ayeyarwady Division of Myanmar, within the village tracts of Magyi, Thabawkan and Thaegone in ShweThaung Yan Township. Mangroves in the Ayeyarwady region have suffered extensive deforestation since the 1980s, with total coverage declining from 81,800 hectares in 2000 to just 46,200 hectares by 2013. The project contributes to climate change mitigation, as mangroves play a vital role in carbon sequestration. Their intricate root systems also help reduce coastal erosion and protect local communities from storm surges, thereby enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Mangroves also supports biodiversity through through by providing complex and sheltered habitats that support a wide range of species. Labour for the establishment, maintenance and monitoring of the mangroves is sourced locally, ensuring that a significant share of the project’s employment benefits is retained within the community. Furthermore, a significant percentage of the total project budget is dedicated to social initiatives, including public education, livelihood development, aquaculture, access to renewable energy, fuel-efficient technologies and scholarships, thereby contributing to sustained socio-economic benefits for the local population.
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Intervention
ARR: Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation
Location
Myanmar
Standard
VCS (Verified Carbon Standard)
Sustainable Goals
Project performance
The Earthly rating
The Earthly rating is the industry-first holistic project assessment. Earthly researchers analyse 106 data points, aggregating information across the three vital pillars of carbon, biodiversity and people. Projects in Earthly's marketplace all exceed a minimum score of 5/10.
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Carbon
~341k
tCO₂e removed through mangrove restoration between 2015 and 2023
Biodiversity
3
threatened species protected
Social
597
vulnerable households supported with basic food items (rice, oil, vegetables, eggs, beans)
Project impact
Local impact
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The forest changes observed within and around the project area strongly reflect conservation and reforestation needs. As can be seen from the image, since the project's inception in 2015, deforestation and forest degradation around the project area (outlined with a white border) have not halted. Unfortunately, deforestation still occurs in the area. The project actively addresses deforestation within its boundaries, including incidents such as encroachment by a hotel development, which led to the removal of 36.56 hectares of previously planted mangroves. In response, formal agreements have been established with relevant stakeholders to prevent any further encroachment into the project area.
Dataset used: Hansen Global Forest Change (2005-2024) modified
Project area: through time
Mangroves in the Ayeyarwady Delta have been rapidly disappearing due to unsustainable charcoal production, shrimp farming and land conversion. Projections by NASA estimate that, without intervention, only 13,000 hectares of mangroves would remain in Ayeyarwady by 2030, a dramatic decline from historic levels.
Since the start of the project, deforestation within the target areas of Magyi, Thabawkan, and Thaegone village tracts has decreased. This improvement is attributed to systematic monitoring, the establishment of local protection committees, and the engagement of former charcoal producers in restoration work. Further efforts are crucial.
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Positive for people
The project is being implemented in three village tracts, namely Magyi, Thabawkan and Thagone, in ShweThaung Yan Township, where most people live below the poverty line. Before the project began, local communities relied on cutting mangroves for charcoal production as a primary livelihood. These individuals have now been employed by the project and have committed to ending charcoal production. Project workers are paid above the national minimum wage, and employment opportunities include seasonal work, cash-for-work programs, forest patrolling, nursery and plantation activities, and community infrastructure development.
To date, 640 villagers (444 men and 196 women), representing approximately 9% of the population across 11 targeted villages, have earned income through seasonal livelihood, cash-for-work, and revolving fund activities. To strengthen long-term economic resilience, the project supports diversified alternative livelihoods, developed through participatory planning with Village Development Committees and local stakeholders. In total, over 555 individuals have received vocational, technical, ICT, and livelihood training, with significant participation by women, and women holding approximately 42.5% of leadership roles in village development committees.
The project also promotes education, research, and institutional collaboration. Pathein University is actively involved as a research partner, contributing to project design, ecological monitoring, and scientific research, strengthening local knowledge and long-term sustainability of mangrove restoration efforts.
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Good for earth
The project addresses key drivers of biodiversity loss in the region through the restoration of native mangrove species, ecosystem protection, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods. Restoration activities target severely degraded mangrove areas, bare lands, abandoned shrimp ponds and shallow water zones, which are being replanted at a density of 5,000 plants per hectare. Moderately degraded mangrove areas, where vegetation persists but falls below forest density thresholds, are being restored using approximately 2,000 plants per hectare to support natural regeneration. To curb deforestation, the project has established local mangrove protection and monitoring committees.
These groups play a vital role in detecting and preventing illegal activities such as logging, contributing to the long-term security of restored areas. At the same time, the project promotes alternative sustainable livelihoods for community members, particularly those previously engaged in charcoal production from mangroves. Mangrove restoration is expected to deliver a wide range of biodiversity benefits by improving habitat structure, thereby increasing the availability of shelter and breeding grounds for both a range of species, and enahnacing ecosystem functions through increased soil quality and improved water quality.
Additionally, the project has initiated the creation of a marine protected area in collaboration with Pathein University and in coordination with the regional government, Ministry of Fisheries, local fishing communities and the navy. This sanctuary aims to conserve seagrass beds, coral reefs, dugongs, sea turtles and other endangered marine species.
Project gallery
Project pictures
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