Planting Location
Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh:
* Giripuram and Gilakaladindi villages of Machilipatnam Mandal
* Ramakrishnapuram and Palakaitippa villages in Koduru Mandal
* Nali and Nachugunta villages in Nagayalanka Mandal
Project Description
An area of approximately 350 ha of mangroves will be restored through community participation. 40% (466,200 mangroves) will be planted in 2022 and 60%( 699,300 mangroves will be planted in 2023), with one additional year (2024) of maintenance. An additional mangrove nursery will be developed with a capacity of 400,000 saplings to be used for this restoration. 10 Women self help groups (SHGs) will be mobilised for this. 3,300 saplings will be planted per hectare. 50 hectares of integrated mangrove fish (crab & fish) farming ponds will also be strengthened and created where required. Based on identified community needs in the villages the mangroves will be planted so as to act as a buffer against strong winds + waves and saline water ingress into agriculture lands. Support will be provided for the plantation of saline tolerant crops as well.
Ecological Benefits
It is expected that the restoration of mangroves will benefit the already biodiversity-rich Godavari estuary through the provision of habitat for many fish, and in particular bivalve species including clams and mussels. It is hoped that the bio-shield that the mangroves will provide will allow for the growth of more diverse agricultural crops.
Community Benefits
It is expected that at least 100 hectares of saline agriculture lands are reclaimed and at least 2 seasons of crops are cultivated within the project period, benefiting at least 5,000 women and men. Is it further hoped that the mangrove habitat restoration and deployment of 15 fish aggregating devices will increase fishery resources in order that fish catch increases by at least 10% within the project period. The capacities of at least 1,000 women and 1,000 men will be strengthened to integrate climate resilience into aquaculture and agricultural practices.
Tree Species
The following mangrove species will be planted:
Avicennia marina
Avicennia officinalis
Excoecaria agallocha
Rhizophora mucronata
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza The following mangrove associated species will also be planted: Thespesia populne
Hibiscus tiliaceus
