Name of Village/Town: Bangladesh, Mombasa City, Mombasa County
Population: ~ 25,500
Livelihood Information: Primarily fishing and/or manual casual jobs
Level of Economic Hardship: Bangladesh area in Mombasa City, Mombasa County faces a number of challenges, including drugs & substance abuse, insufficient social services, very little fresh water, underdeveloped infrastructure, and food insecurity.
Unique Features: Old Mombasa Town, is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site that has an incredibly rich history. The surrounding areas including our project site have a history of trade with countries as far away as Oman & India, dating back to the 12th century. The local artisans still make traditional dhows by hand that are pure works of art. It truly is a unique place.
Reason for Deforestation: Population Pressure & Overexploitation
Historically, mangroves have been an important part of the local economy. They were harvested for dhow construction, export for the tanning industry (ash and bark), and building materials. Mangrove harvesting was banned in 1997, but harvesting continued in despite the ban. Recently, legal harvesting has been reinstated (as of 2019).
Type of Restoration Needed: Mangrove
Planting Site Size and Planting Capacity
Plantable Area: Completely deforested areas: 300 hectares (3,000,000 mangroves)
Enrichment planting sites and areas in need of protection: ~500 hectares (additional 2,000,000 mangroves)
Planting Plan:
A total of 5 million mangrove propagules will be planted in this area over a period of three years. The cost of planting, growing, maintaining and nurturing each propagule to a level where it can grow on its own will cost USD 0.10. The total cost of the 3 years for the project is expected to be USD 320,000. This amount will be fundraised each quarter and therefore USD 27,000 is required in the 1st quarter beginning July 1st 2022.
Social Impact (Decent Wages for Decent Lives for Decent Forest)
37 youth and women will access employment opportunities for 3 years
Mentored to be scouts in the newly planted area thereafter.
Approximately 270 hectares and about 150 hectares that requires enrichment planting in the same area.
With availability of funds, the 37 youth and women will have a chance to extend their employment to 6 years.
During the period of employment, the staff will receive a monthly salary.
They and their families (spouse and children) will have access to medical cover through NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund).
Access to saving for retirement through NSSF (National Social Security Fund)
Parents able to take children to school and save for the future
Drugs & Substance Abuse
Reduction and eventual eradication of drugs and substance abuse
Recruitment for staff will target affected families for impact
Widows and youth who are the most affected will have a chance to be rehabilitated
Environment
Degraded mangrove forest will be restored
Marine life will be secured
Increase in fish population because mangrove forest are breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic life
Climate change mitigation achieved through the project
Mombasa city beauty reclaimed
Sustainable Income streams
Beekeeping and Bee farming introduced in the restored area
Walk boards and nature trails reintroduced in the area with accredited tour guided
Sustainable harvesting of mangrove reintroduced through awareness creation, capacity building and training
Small business and training