One of the reasons for mangrove die back in the area is crude oyster harvesting techniques. As oysters are a source of income for many of the women in this community, they were trained on sustainable oyster harvesting techniques and aquaculture. Eco tourism was also introduced as source of livelihood and with the use of a fibre glass boat, some have already benefited from this idea.

This project has been designed to provide local communities with the technical skills and resources necessary for the prevention of land degradation and sustainable forest management. It is anticipated that with development of technical skills and the availability of equipment, the target communities will continue to conduct coastal restoration activities.

Through consultations and sensitization meetings, the message of partnership with the beneficiary communities for this project was well received. The youths of the communities were particularly motivated and voluntarily participated whilst the VDC mobilized a large turn out of men, women and children for the planting activities. Initial assessment revealed that there was a general lack of awareness on the importance of mangroves in the beneficiary communities. however, once the communities were enlightened on this topic, they formed mangrove forest management committees and further integrated the activities of this project into the five year work plan of the general community forest committee that already existed.