Based on our own observation, we are already understood the importance of the mangrove conservation in the process of developing sustainable livelihood for the coastal communities, particularly in Odisha. During the project period, we are particularly working with local community who is basically acted as an active participator in the process of sustainable management of the mangrove eco-system. Our project team often plays the role as advisor, monitor and evaluator of the community project activities. Community-led conservation process has therefore been undertaken during the first phase of RSG, and importantly, we have received a great success in the process of implementing the project. In doing so, our project team members are closely worked with the stakeholder committee in order to conserve mangrove eco-system, generate awareness among the community as well as organize educational tutors in schools about the positive contribution of the mangrove forests, develop alternative livelihoods. As we are achieved a great success through implementing such approach, it will be followed in the ongoing project as well as new project villages.

This project adopt ‘community-led participation approach’ in the process of management and restoration the mangrove resources. More importantly, it will promote ‘ecological–hydrological’ restoration method, which is an economical and efficient approach to restore mangrove forest. This project will also train local community volunteers and village mangrove council members on how to restore and conserve the mangrove resources in a sustainable manner. We hope to develop expertise in key personnel from community, so that they can extend the training to others within their community. The outreach and education will contribute to the pool of knowledge for the better management of environment, and importantly enhancing the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Integration of the mangrove restoration itself, relying on local stewardship, participation, and involvement, will strengthen and enhance local livelihoods through training, education, and outreach to insure sustained project success with direct ecological and economic benefits. The project aims at providing best alternative livelihood support in the target project villages by promoting allied farming activities such as mushroom cultivation, paddy, kitchen gardening, promotion of apiculture and bee keeping, etc., so as to make them less dependant on mangrove forest and thereby reducing pressure on mangrove forest.