In Papua New Guinea (PNG), many coastal communities depend on mangrove forests for their livelihood. Mangrove trees have been harvested over generations for construction materials and firewood. They also provide a habitat for fish, crabs, shellfish, birds, and reptiles, as well as a resilience against storm surges, coastal erosion, and coastal flooding. An analysis conducted by the government’s Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) has highlighted community-based mangrove planting as a cost-effective measure for coastal communities. Unfortunately, overexploitation and degradation of mangrove areas means communities are losing this protection.
This handbook presents a step-by-step guide on how to rehabilitate mangroves. Although the main purpose is to address coastal flooding, this handbook has been designed to be applicable to planting mangroves for all purposes, including carbon absorption, conservation, fisheries, and ecotourism. It outlines five activities, including: (i) creation of a project work plan, (ii) site preparation, (iii) planting, (iv) monitoring and training, and (v) project funding.