Protecting the Ayeyarwady Delta’s mangrove forests and communities
Myanmar’s marine ecosystems are some of the world’s most biodiverse, including mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds and mudflats which are vital for supporting local livelihoods and providing climate resilience. Despite this, these ecosystems are under threat from overexploitation and weak governance, creating a cycle of poverty and habitat degradation. In particular, the Ayeyarwady Delta mangrove forest has been heavily impacted by agricultural expansion for rice production, timber harvesting and unsustainable aquaculture development.
The WAVES project aims to protect the Ayeyarwady Delta’s vulnerable mangrove ecosystems while enhancing the resilience and livelihoods of coastal communities. It will prioritise smallholder farmers, artisanal fishers, including women, persons with disabilities, and minority groups (e.g. Karen and Muslim communities), while engaging local market actors, cooperatives, and community forestry groups. It aims to strengthen resilience to climate change for 9,424 households (approximately 40,000 people) in 48 off-grid villages.
Project activities will include community-led mangrove restoration and protection, strengthening the capacity of Community Forest User Groups (CFUGs), and creating diversified incomes for smallholder and landless households, including marginalised groups, in the form of sustainable aquaculture systems, water management and agroforestry.
