This project, Restoration and Rehabilitation of Mangrove Ecosystem in Zula, Foro subzone is a Seascape project which is envisaged to address biodiversity conservation problems from extinction and to improve the livelihood of zula fishing community. The planning process was done in a consultative process and closer participation with target communities? representatives, Ministry of Marine Resources, NUEW (National Union of Eritrean women) and local government authorities at the project site. The project needs a total financial contribution of USD 50,000 or ERN 750,000 from GEF/ SGP contribution and the same amount from communities and government line ministries relevant to the project. The overall responsibility and the actual implementation will be the sole responsibility of the grantee, Zula Community. Moreover, Sub Zoba Foro, MMR, Ministries of Agriculture & Land, Water and Environment and, National Union of Eritrean Women will play a crucial role for success of the project. Regional and sub-regional authorities and SGP personnel will represent in project monitoring and evaluation process and follow result-based monitoring. The knowledge gained from the project is also to be carefully documented and communicated to concerned organizations and offices.

The coastal zones of Eritrea and adjacent area including islands are facing major pressure due to different driving forces like land use changes, camel grazing, waste disposal, over exploitation of resources for charcoal and firewood, coastal erosion, siltation, developmental projects, fishing intensity, salt and shell collection activities, etc. Over exploitation of resources such as mangroves and other fishery related resources are apparently evident and are being continued in these regions. Eritrea and its coastal wetland systems constitute a resource of great economic, cultural, scientific and recreational value of human life. Wetlands and people are ultimately independent components. As such, the progressive encroachment on and loss of coastal mangrove habitats needs to be stemmed and measures must be taken to conserve and make wise use of the resources such as ecosystems. Since coastal area of Eritrea doesn?t have a strong coastal belt to protect the settlements of people from Tsunami like natural calamities, hence, the role of mangrove forest as a bio-shield deserve more attention. Moreover, these biotopes are the feeding and breeding grounds of myriad of aquatic animals, particularly finfishes. So, we need to conserve and protect this mangrove ecosystem for the benefits of future generations. To achieve this, an effective monitoring and restoring of these mangrove ecosystems of the state with suitable management models is very much required.

This model will be properly implemented/ conserved with active participation of the Zula local community. Through the mangrove plantation activity, biodiversity of marine ecosystem will increase. Ministry of Marine Resources will take the technical lead in implementation of this project, in which the organization have undertaken successful mangrove plantation projects (Manzanar and FReMP) in Northern Red Sea region. The immediate expected project result are -
- 75 individuals trained in mangrove tree plantation and proper site selection
- 600 HHs benefited from plantation and seed collection
- 15 hectares area community management conservation area established