Co-management as a success factor

The project developed its own co-management model to protect the newly planted mangrove plants from human interference or natural hazards in the long term. The management of the areas by the local population shall create sources of income and at the same time raise awareness for the protection of livelihoods.

The village communities living near the TCCT project plantations behind the mangrove belt have low average incomes and low resilience to the impacts of climate change. The project therefore offered the poorest inhabitants various livelihood models - net huts, crab and frog farming - as additional sources of income. The aim was to win them over to participate in the afforestation measures and to raise their awareness of climate-friendly agriculture in order to strengthen the resilience of the village community in the long term.

In an agreement with the local authorities, the rights to use the natural resources could be transferred to the local communities, which acknowledges their co-responsibility for the conscious use of the resources. The involvement and commitment of coastal residents continues to be an important success factor for the plantation in Soc Trang, where the natural and socio-economic conditions require more intensive care than in Ben Tre.

For successful sustainable management of mangroves, capacity building among residents and authorities is a key element. To this end, the project organised and conducted workshops and study tours to promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge. The use of existing structures increases the effectiveness of co-management measures. In Soc Trang, the community was already very engaged and committed to mangrove conservation. The capacity trainings were able to build on this and significantly improve their organisation, technical knowledge and commitment.

In addition, a series of conservation awareness events were held in local schools to educate children about the benefits of mangroves and their protection, such as not throwing plastic waste into rivers and the sea. The events in both provinces were conducted by local foresters together with the project team.