SLIDE 1 Disaster Risk Reduction through Mangrove Conservation and Rehabilitation
(A case study in Ayeyarwady delta of Myanmar)
Maung Maung Than Mangrove and Environmental Rehabilitation Network-MERN MYANMAR India 31st August, 2012
SLIDE 2 Mangrove areas in Myanmar
Tanintharyi Region
Myanmar
Mangrove areas
100 km
10oN 29oN 92o E 101
Rakhine State Ayeyarwady delta
China India Thailand
Total area: 165788 ha Total area: 259028 ha Total area: 271607 ha Grand total: 696,423 ha
SLIDE 3 Deforestation of mangroves in Ayeyarwady detla
1975 2001 1990 2008
SLIDE 4
Devastation of Cyclone Nargis in May 2008
According to Post Nargis Joint Assessment –PONJA report, some 17,000 hectare of natural forest and 21,000 ha of forest plantations were damaged, with an estimated cost of Kyat 14 billion ( About 14 million USD).
SLIDE 5
Formation of Mangrove and Environmental Rehabilitation Network-MERN
The idea of Networking among the local environmental NGOs was initiated since December, 2008. And, MERN officially formed on 1st August 2009.
SLIDE 6 Rationale
Review
achievements, opportunities, challenges and lesson learned of mangrove conservation and reforestation for Disaster Risk Reduction through small grant projects and Joint project are needed to know whether policy targets are met.
Objective
To share lesson learned gained from small grant projects to relevant stakeholders involving in mangrove conservation and reforestation
SLIDE 7
Activities of Small Grant projects
SLIDE 8
Activities of small grant projects
SLIDE 9
Activities of Joint projects
SLIDE 10
- 41 village comprising of 6460 households
- Community Base Organizations-CBOs were formed and trained
- Project staff were trained to strengthen capacity
- 160 ha of mangrove plantation established, with above 80% in
survival
- 800 villagers were trained for mangrove reforestation and
conservation
- Livelihood supports were provided (Ducks, Fishes, cash crop etc.)
- Distribution of 600 efficient stoves
Achievements of projects
SLIDE 11 Achievements of MERN network
- Policy advocacy for revision of Community
Forestry Instructions and Forest Law
- Networking with international organizations such
as IUCN, MFF, Wetland International, UNDP, FAO, JICA etc.,
- Capacity Building for member organizations and
Media . Evident Base Research
SLIDE 12 Opportunities and Challenges
Opportunities
Well Understanding on
value of mangroves
Support from local and
international
Possibility of recovery of
mangrove ecosystem
Interest of government
Challenges
planning
- Poverty
- Lack of alternative
energy
SLIDE 13 Lesson learnt from the projects
Organizational Development and Capacity
Building of CBOs are decisive.
Policy advocacy and engagement should be
addressed to overcome policy failure
Improvement of livelihood for mangrove dwellers
is a must.
How to sustain the outputs of small grant and
joint projects, especially for the mangrove management.
SLIDE 14 Conclusion
Outputs of Small grant and Joint projects were achieved Policy advocacy
MERN was to some extent successful Lack of proper land use planning, poverty of community and shortage of capacity were main obstacles Mangrove conservation and reforestation is still needed for disaster risk reduction and livelihood improvement of local communities.
SLIDE 15 Recommendations
- To extend policy advocacy to line departments
as well as local governments
- To initiate Public-Private partnership to assist
poverty reduction
- To speed up capacity building and
strengthening
- To formulate a proper strategies for mangrove
conservation and reforestation
SLIDE 16
Thanks for your attention!
