The over all aim of the project is to empower and capacitate the coastal communities through the mangrove resource centre to collectively conserve and reclaim the mangrove eco system. The reclamation component will be realised through demo nursery development and direct plantation inputs. Conservation will be effected through public education, organisation of villagers as protection committees and networking of mangrove protection committees for lobbying and advocacy to reduce biotic and commercial pressure on the shrinking mangrove habitats. Identification, processing and marketing of renewable mangrove by-products will be facilitated for strengthening the vulnerable livelihoods of the mangrove resource dependent communities.

The project will commence with an initial survey and assessment of the mangrove situation in the target area and the impact of various factors on mangrove depletion. Basing on this assessment, a conservation plan will be developed with target group participation. The project targets the coastal villages of Allur mandal and will facilitate the community mangrove resource centre at a centrally located place. The project envisages conserving the environment through a holistic approach and strengthening the livelihood systems of the vulnerable communities over the long-term through the promotion of mangroves. The basic strategy is to empower the communities through skills, techniques, awareness and organisation for enhancing their over all capacities to conserve and exercise responsible control over natural resources. The strategy will comprise of a significant environmental education component. Community partnership will be realized through the facilitation and capacitation of grass roots groups with more focus on the vulnerable women and youth. The IEC material designed through traditional means will play a significant role in sensitizing and motivating the target communities for the conservation of the mangroves and the facilitation of a sustainable environment. The federation of the community-based organizations will play a significant advocacy and lobbying role for facilitating the relevant environmental enactments and stringent implementation of environmental laws with people’s participation. The federation will also ensure programme sustainability after project withdrawal.