India, Asia

Restoration

Sagar Island - Mangrove Reforestation Project

Positive impact generated

Context

The project aims to restore Sagar Island's ecosystem by planting 278,000 mangrove trees

Sagar Island Mangrove Reforestation Project aims to restore 10 hectares of land by planting 200,000 mangrove trees. In fact, mangroves can create a buffer zone to protect the land from coastal erosion, cyclones and other extreme weather events. Mangroves are also capable to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide, host high levels of biodiversity and contribute to scure local communities' subsistence. 1. Site selection: Prameya Foundation identified the site for the planting of seedlings based on criteria such as degraded land, water availability, soil quality, and accessibility. In November 2023, the local government gave the authorisation to start the project.2. Preparation of the site: the site will be prepared by removing invasive species, debris, and pollutants. The site will be ploughed and levelled to create a suitable bed for mangrove saplings. 3. Procurement of mangrove saplings and preparation of Nursery: for this first project’s phase, The Good Idea will procure 200,000 mangrove propagules from a Prameya’s mangrove facility in Jharkhali and another part of the Sundarbans. Then, these propagules will be nursed (for 3 months) by a team of local women in Mangrove Nursery in Sagar Island. The Nursery will be established near the proposed plantation site. 4. Plantation: the activity will engage a team of volunteers and coordinators, including members of the local community. The saplings will be planted in a pre-determined pattern and spacing to ensure optimal growth and survival. 5. Maintenance: regular maintenance activities such as weeding, pruning, and pest control will be conducted to ensure the healthy growth of the saplings. 6. Monitoring and evaluation: monitoring and periodic evaluations about the growth and survival of saplings will be conducted for a period of 3 years.

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Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

Prameya Foundation, in collaboration with Rebrain India and The Good Idea, and with the support of IPPAG, Previa Haircare, Siemens, Interflora and Prominate, aims to create a buffer zone of 200,000 mangroves across 10 hectares on Sagar Island. This initiative not only contributes to the restoration of a severely degraded ecosystem but also provides strategic protection for the surrounding area. Mangroves act as a natural barrier against rising sea levels and extreme weather events such as cyclones and tsunamis. At the same time, thanks to their remarkable ability to absorb carbon dioxide, they are recognized as one of the most effective natural reservoirs for CO₂ sequestration. The project also stimulates the local economy by creating job opportunities and actively involving members of the community. The initiative has been structured into several phases: site selection and preparation; procurement of new mangrove saplings and their nursery period; planting activities; and the ongoing maintenance and monitoring required to ensure their growth and long-term resilience.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The purpose of the project is to plant 200,000 mangroves to restore 10 hectares of land, increase biodiversity levels, strengthen land resilience to coastal erosion, and support local families. From November 28, 2024, to January 4, 2025, 163,000 saplings were planted. Between January 20 and 21, 2025, an additional 37,000 saplings were planted, bringing the total to 200,000. Initially, 88,000 saplings were planned to be kept as a contingency stock between January and April. However, to reduce costs and improve survival rates, 78,000 saplings were planted, leaving 10,000 in reserve. Total saplings planted to date: 278,000.

Mangrove forests host high levels of biodiversity and are the perfect habitat for several species of plants and animals. Located between land and water, mangroves are home to both terrestrial and marine species, playing a crucial role for the ecosystem balance as they represent the habitat not only for resident and endemic species but also for migratory ones, as demonstrated by several bird species that nest there. Restoration and conservation actions are therefore urgent to regenerate a healthy ecosystem in Sagar Island, to support its species and to ensure ecosystem services.

Throughout the project's activities implementation, local communities will be constantly involved and will benefit from the positive impact generated. Sagar Island restoration project planned to involve a group of 50 women during the mangrove nursery phase, the fundamental initial activity to ensure the healthy growth of propagules once planted. The overall activities will benefit almost 600 families and around 3000 individuals of the local community of Sagar Island. Thanks to the Prameya Foundation local people will be supported with regular sources of income and education activities on sustainable development. By financing one or more mangrove trees, you'll support the entire life cycle of the tree, from its nursery phase to the monitoring one, contributing also to the local community socio-economic wellbeing.