145 Case study – Mangrove restoration in Madagascar and Indonesia Project approach The project comprised of the following four parallel areas of work: Blue carbon and forestry management: The project focused on conservation agreements for sustainable use of mangroves, establishing robust monitoring and enforcement, and monetising the carbon storage value of mangroves. Fisheries management and improvement projects: Frameworks for sustainable small-scale fisheries management were established. These frameworks included gear restrictions or periodic closures, with trade-offs mitigated through alternative livelihoods. Mangrove livelihood diversification: Livelihood interventions, such as aquaculture or apiculture, were identified, piloted and implemented. Community health and women’s empowerment: Community health services were integrated with mangrove management efforts through the replication of Blue Ventures’ Population-Health-Environment model. The project engaged local communities, government, and key stakeholders across the ‘blue growth’ sector. The project follows UNEP standard monitoring and evaluation processes and procedures, and carbon sequestration estimates validated by Plan Vivo carbon standards. Project outcomes The expected outcomes of the full-term duration of the programme (eight years)are as follows: 181,678 ha of mangrove forest protected under sustainable local management. Through conservation and restoration, 1,194 ha of mangrove forests saved from deforestation. Ecosystem service benefits including regulating services (erosion control and storm protection), providing services (e.g. timber and charcoal) and cultural services (recreation and aesthetic) from mangrove restoration and management worth $524,259 (USD) per year. Reducing the rate of the deforestation of mangroves and preventing c.1.7 Mt of CO2 emissions through sustainable forestry and fisheries management. 98,589 carbon credits produced with a minimum of 50% revenue shared with communities. 61,000 people with income or livelihood benefits worth $1.3 million (USD), achieved through established mangrove livelihood diversification. Lessons learnt Initial buffer period critical to account for potentially unforeseen challenges and delays due to differences in social and political climates. Account for potential legal obstacles, and associated resource implications, when developing work plans. Important to balance trade-offs and requirements of coastal communities, national and regional government authorities against the specifications of the carbon standard. Developing partnerships has ensured that the project is able to reach a scale quickly and is also aware of ongoing changes in policy and legislation so it can, where possible, adapt accordingly. Sustainability and legacy of project As this project is still ongoing it is not possible to fully conclude the sustainability and future potential of the project. In terms of effectiveness as of 2019, the project had met the target for eight output indicators, overachieved on five indicators and underperformed on three indicators. Spending power remains high for the programme which will continue to be monitored. There is additional scope to extend the lifetime of the project, as well as expand its geographical scopeto other mangrove-rich tropical countries, if it is successful during the initial eight-year period. Further information:https://blueventures.org/conservation/blue-forests/ Diagram of NbS interactions showing that mangrove restoration can contribute towards multiple benefits. Return to Principles