Coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, saltmarshes, and seagrass beds play a critical role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing significant amounts of carbon, known as “blue carbon.” These ecosystems sequester carbon at rates up to 100 times faster and more permanently than terrestrial forests, with carbon stored primarily in the soil beneath these habitats. Mangroves, for example, are among the most carbon-rich biomes, storing up to 3,750 tons of CO₂ equivalents per hectare. Unlike terrestrial forests, where carbon storage may saturate quickly, blue carbon ecosystems continue to sequester carbon for millennia, making them vital in combating global warming. Bangladesh, despite being a minimal carbon emitter, faces severe risks from climate change, particularly in its coastal regions. Rising sea levels, increased salinity, and intensified storm surges threaten the livelihoods and food security of coastal communities. The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest globally, serves as a critical buffer, protecting these vulnerable populations while storing vast amounts of carbon. However, the degradation of these ecosystems due to human activities and climate change exacerbates their vulnerability.
Promoting the conservation and sustainable use of blue carbon habitats not only contributes to carbon sequestration but also provides additional benefits such as enhanced fisheries, coastal erosion control, and tourism opportunities. By focusing on protecting these ecosystems, LEDARS aims to address climate change impacts while improving the resilience and livelihoods of Bangladesh's coastal communities.
To empower local communities, especially women, in managing blue carbon resources, the project focuses on forming and strengthening Climate Resilient Groups (CRGs) at the village and cluster levels. These groups serve as platforms for participatory decision- making and resource management. Workshops on alternative livelihoods and sustainable agriculture practices are organized to build resilience, reduce dependency on vulnerable ecosystems, and enhance the capacity of communities to adapt to climate change. These initiatives promote community-driven conservation and management of coastal and mangrove ecosystems.
Mangrove afforestation plays a critical role in carbon sequestration and climate resilience. The project undertakes afforestation initiatives along embankments and degraded coastal areas, involving local communities in the process to ensure long-term sustainability. Indigenous mangrove species are prioritized to restore biodiversity and enhance the carbon storage potential of these ecosystems. These efforts contribute significantly to balancing global temperatures by absorbing carbon dioxide while also providing vital protection against coastal erosion and storm surges.
To establish a locally rooted and sustainable monitoring system for blue carbon, the project invests in training citizen scientists and local NGO staff. These capacity-building efforts equip communities with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective blue carbon monitoring. Additionally, the project develops training modules and protocols for community-led management of blue carbon ecosystems and their integration into carbon markets. These initiatives ensure the active participation of local stakeholders in conserving and leveraging blue carbon resources.
Action research is conducted to explore the role of tenure and stewardship in securing blue carbon systems, generating insights to inform carbon market governance. The findings are used to develop policy briefs and papers aimed at influencing key decision- makers at the national and international levels. By 2025, the project aims to advocate for equitable and community-centered governance of blue carbon markets. This intervention ensures that the voices and rights of local communities are integrated into climate action and resource management policies.
To reduce dependency on the Sundarbans and other fragile ecosystems, the project provides training and resources for alternative livelihoods such as aquaculture, ecotourism, and sustainable crafts. Beneficiaries are supported in developing small-scale enterprises that ensure economic sustainability while conserving the environment. These livelihood options not only improve the economic resilience of communities but also contribute to the sustainable use and preservation of blue carbon ecosystems.
1. Mangrove afforestation has been carried out over 1.5 acres along the Malancho River,
near the embankment of Singhortoli village in Munshiganj at at Shyamnagar, Satkhira.
2. Organize workshop on adapted and sustainable vegetable cultivation in homestead garden
was conducted among 25 selected beneficiaries of Singhortoli village of munshiganj
Union and Nildumur village of Burigoalini Union.
3. Salt tolerant winter vegetable seeds and organic fertilizers have been distributed among
25 selected beneficiaries of Singhortoli village of Munshiganj union and Nildumur
village of Burigoalini Union.
LEDARS (Local Environment Development and Agricultural Research Society) is a non-profit and non-political development organization. LEDARS has been working since 1996 in Bangladesh. Details…
