Community Based Mangrove restoration, conservation and sustainable management through Mangrove Stewardship Agreements (MSAs) is an innovative approach that the project proponents of Delta Blue Carbon Initiative have been using over the years to restore, protect and sustainably manage mangroves in the Indus Delta area through the active participation of local communities. The dual aim of these MSAs is the restoration and sustainable management of mangrove ecosystem as well as generation of sustainable livelihood opportunities for the custodian communities.
The approach works well as community protected and conserved mangroves have remarkable survival and recovery potential given that anthropogenic factors have been the main cause of this valuable ecosystem/mangrove degradation in the delta area. To be able to become effective stewards for the protection and management of mangroves, local communities need to be trained in implementing the agreements that are executed with them for the purpose.
The following pictures show training being imparted to local communities and Sindh Forest Department staff in effective implementation of MSAs in DBC-1 project, a component project of Delta Blue Carbon Initiative.