Background
The LEDARS Mangrove Restoration and Conservation Initiative aims to protect and restore the Sundarbans while improving the livelihoods and climate resilience of forest-dependent communities. The initiative addresses growing threats from climate change, salinity intrusion, and biodiversity loss through community-led conservation, sustainable livelihood development, and inclusive forest governance. It promotes mangrove afforestation, blue carbon monitoring, climate-smart practices, and alternative income opportunities to reduce pressure on natural resources. Special emphasis is placed on empowering women, indigenous communities, tiger widows, and other vulnerable groups. Through the Blue Carbon and RESCUE projects, LEDARS is strengthening ecosystem resilience, enhancing carbon sequestration, and fostering long-term sustainable development in the Sundarbans landscape.