ANNOUNCEMENTS
The 'Mangrove Restoration Project in Sundarbans' was initiated to address a multitude of challenges within the Sundarbans region that extend beyond ecological concerns, directly impacting the local community's livelihood opportunities. The project aimed to restore the mangroves in the transition area of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve through community-led plantation. Its objectives included creating a buffer against wind and tidal surges, preventing saltwater intrusion, increasing livelihood opportunities, and restoring functioning ecosystems to enhance biodiversity.
The impact evaluation of the project covers the period from 2010 to 2021 and considers three groups: Group 1 (presence of mangroves) and Group 2 (no mangroves) as treatment groups, and a control group with varied mangrove cover. The evaluation employs a quasi-experimental methodology with a mixed approach, combining quantitative and qualitative research. Baseline data and beneficiary lists were not available, necessitating the use of alternative sampling methods. Random sampling was employed to select villages, and respondents were chosen using household lists provided by the NGO responsible for the project.
The key findings of the report primarily focus on the comparison between the treatment and control villages visited during the field visit. The study examines the social, economic, and environmental impact of the mangrove restoration project. It underscores the importance of defining a target community and emphasizes the need to increase awareness and foster a stronger sense of community ownership. Furthermore, the study explores livelihood practices such as agriculture and fisheries, which serve as the primary sources of income for the community. Challenges such as limited profitability, unsustainable practices, and insufficient institutional support are identified. The study states the significance of adopting sustainable fishing practices and highlights the income opportunities associated with mangrove nurseries. It also emphasizes the need to enhance community awareness, engagement, and sustainable practices for mangrove conservation, biodiversity protection, and livelihood improvement in the face of natural disasters.
Keywords: Impact evaluation, mangrove restoration, social impact, economic impact , environmental impact.
