New Delhi: EARTHDAY.ORG has partnered with Crystal International Group Limited to grow 100,000 mangroves along villages in proximity to the Sundarbans in Khulna division of Bangladesh.
The area is a prime spot for planting because of its vicinity to the largest mangrove forest in the world, and the benefits for the locals are substantial.
Over 21,000 mangroves have already been planted as part of the project, which spans 10 hectares of land that has been fenced off for both stability and to prevent any accidental interference. Planting will be finished at the end of August.
Planted species are native to the region (both salt and flood tolerant) and perfect for binding soil to embankments allowing more launch sites for the main form of transportation, boats. While anchoring to the embankment, the mangroves collect silt flowing down the river, strengthening the embankment and forming a nursery for numerous crab, fish, and shrimp species that can be caught and sold by local fishermen.
These embankments also act as barriers against severe weather events that are unfortunately becoming more prevalent in these regions.
“Benefits of mangroves go beyond fish nursery and embankment securement. Mangroves sequester roughly two to four times the amount of carbon when compared to a mature tropical forest, helping to improve air quality and lessen the environmental footprint of those living in the area,” said Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG.
To commemorate this large-scale planting event, a celebration was held on July 26, World Mangrove Day. The celebration included the planting of 600 mangrove saplings during low tide with the participation of approximately 100 individuals including EARTHDAY.ORG representatives, local planting partners, and the Banishanta union community that will most benefit from the planting site.
–IANS
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