Project Proposals on Management of Key Habitats
MANGROVE MANAGEMENT IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
1. IDENTIFIERS
Project Number: HAB 3
Project Title:
Mangrove Management in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Requesting Country(ies):
Senegal, The Gambia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and
Mozambique
Requesting Regional or
National Organisation:
National: Ministries responsible for Environment or Forestry in
participating countries.
The Gambia: National Environment Agency (NEA).
Senegal: Office of Environment and the Classified Establishment.
Cote d'Ivoire: Ministry of Environment.
Ghana: Ministry of Environment & Science.
Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Environment, Federal Department of Forestry,
Kenya: Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute; Ministry of
Environment and Natural Resources.
Tanzania: Vice-President's Office (Division of Environment).
Mozambique: Ministry for Coordination of Environmental Affairs.
Possible Executing Agencies: Senegal: Office of Environment and the Classified Establishment, CRODT,
DPN, DEFCCS.
Gambia: Department of Forestry.
Ghana: MES/EPA/District Assemblies.
Nigeria: Fed. Department of Forestry/ Fed. Ministry of Environment.
Mozambique: Ministry for Coordination of Environmental Affairs and
Department of Forestry & Wildlife
Tanzania: National Environment Management Council; Division of
Forestry & Bee-keeping.
Kenya: NEMA/KENFRI/National Environment Secretariat
Required National Partners:
Relevant sectors of the participating Governments, Universities, Research
Institutions, and NGOs.
Gambia: Department of Forestry, Local village communities, Departments
of Community Development, Fisheries, NEA:
Senegal: Oceanographic Research Center of Dakar Thiaroye (CRODT), the
Office of the National Park (DPN) and the Office of Waters and Forests,
Hunting and Soils Conservation (DEFCCS), West African Association for
Marine Environment (WAMME);
Cote d"Ivoire: Centre Recherches d'Oceanographique (CRO), READ
(NGO).
Ghana: EPA, Forestry Commission, Ministry of Tourism, Resource &
Environment Development Organisation (NGO).
Nigeria: Federal Ministry of Environment, NIOMR, Nigeria Conservation
Foundation (NGO).
Kenya: Forest Department; National Environment Management Authority,
Kenya Wildlife Services.
Tanzania: National Environment Management Council; Division of
Forestry & Bee-keeping; University of Dar-es-Salaam.
Mozambique: Department of Forestry & Wildlife; FNP (Forum Natureza
em Perigo); Oceanographic Research Centre (ORI); Centre for Forestry
Research (CEF).
Priority Issue(s) Addressed:
GIWA Issue 12: Loss of ecosystems and ecotones
GIWA Issue 13: Modification of ecosystems or ecotones
GIWA Issue 14: Over-exploitation
Regional Scope:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Project Location:
Selected areas in participating countries.
Gambia: Bintang Bolong, Western Gambia.
Senegal: Saloum estuary; Casamance estuary.
Cote d'Ivoire: Ebrie lagoon.
Ghana: Ada-Volta Estuary-Anyanui Complex; Elmina-Eture wetlands.
Nigeria: Niger Delta and other areas invaded by exotic Nypa Palm.
Kenya: Tana river, Kiuga MPA, Mida creek; Gazi Funzi systems.
Tanzania: Rufiji delta, Chakomble; Fumbwini; Matumbini; Kisiwa; Kikuu.
Mozambique: Quirimbas Archipelago; Mozambique Island; Beira City;
Sofala Bay; Inhaca Island; Maputo Bay.
Project Duration:
Five (5) years
Working Group
of the African Process:
WG 5: Management of key habitat and ecosystems (HAB-3). Linkages exist
for participation and synergy with the following working groups. Key
Habitat (HAB-1); Tourism (TOU-3, 4 and 5); Coastal erosion (COS-2 and
3); Sustainable use of living resources (RES-3 and 5).
2. SUMMARY
The Project aims at enhancing the productivity, stability as well as the functional integrity of mangrove
ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa through appropriate interventions under a five (5) year programme of
activities. These interventions will lead to massive reduction in mangrove over-use and promote sustainable
harvesting, protection of sensitive mangrove habitats and create awareness among stakeholders of their
critical importance mankind. Participating countries are Senegal, Gambia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria,
Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique
The main activities will be to:
ˇ Inventorise mangrove environments to assess the present bio-physical status of the mangrove wetlands
in the region.
ˇ Carry out socio-economic studies and training on mangrove related issues.
ˇ Generate/increase awareness on importance of mangroves among the communities and general public.
ˇ Provide demonstration projects on mangrove rehabilitation and alternative sources of energy and
building materials.
ˇ Establish mangrove forest reserves.
ˇ Initiate steps to strengthen the livelihood security of the human population living in areas adjacent to
mangrove wetlands through agroforestry and other activities which can help to meet their wood and
non-wood requirements and reduce their dependency on mangroves to sustainable levels.
Expected results are:
(i)
Updated information including database on conservation status of mangroves in the sub-
Saharan region.
(ii) Assessment of traditional laws and other socio-cultural beliefs in relation to mangrove
conservation.
(iii) Trained manpower and an informed public on the importance of mangroves including a
reference and training manual on mangrove conservation and management methods.
(iv) Demonstrative community plantations of suitable species as substitutes to mangroves for
fuelwood and building material.
(v) Pilot demonstrative mangrove reforestation projects and rehabilitation of degraded areas.
(vi) Pilot demonstrative alternative livelihood projects.
(vii) Establishment of mangrove reserves.
(viii) Optimal strategies for sustainable livelihoods. This will be done by modelling the ecological
and economic impacts of alternative livelihood projects with the view to identifying the most
optimal strategies.
At the national level and sub-regional levels, the project will improve fisheries, preserve biodiversity, protect
shorelines and property from floods as well as contributing positively to the role of tropical forests in
reducing the rate of global warming. It therefore contributes to poverty alleviation and promotes sustainable
development.
Several indicators, for example, decreased rate of deforestation of mangrove, number of restored and
managed sites, number of communities responding to mangrove management plans, revised Mangrove Atlas,
and number of mangrove reserves established will serve as milestones.
The entire project is estimated at US$ 1,500,000 for each participating country. This includes both capital
and in-kind expenditure. The duration of the project is 5 years. Financial sources for the implementation of
the project are expected to come from financial institutions, the donor community and bilateral
arrangements. The participating countries should provide about 10% of the total cost in kind or in cash.
3. COST AND FINANCING (MILLION US$) AVERAGE PER PARTICIPATING COUNTRY1
International & bilateral sources:
Required financing by potential source
US$ 1.35 million
Subtotal International financing
US$ 1.35 million
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Co-financing:
Governments in cash & kind
US$ .15
Subtotal
Co-financing
US$.15
Total Project Cost for each country
US$ 1.50 millon
Total project cost for 8 (eight) participating countries
US$ 12.0 million
1 This budget is preliminary and has not undergone a full consultation process with the respective countries.
Therefore, it does not indicate the actual financial commitment that would be provided by participating
countries once the project proposal and its components are finalised.
4. GOVERNMENT ENDORSEMENT (S)
Senegal: Mrs. Fatima Dia Toure, Director of the Environment and Classified Establishments.
Gambia: Susan Waffa OOGU, Secretary of State for Fisheries, Natural Resources and the Environment
Cote d'Ivoire: Ministry of Environment and Way of Life and Focal point: Centre Ivoirien Anti Pollution
(CIAPOL)
Ghana: Hon. Prof. D. Fobih, Minister of Environment & Science.
Nigeria: Hon. Minister of Environment, and Hon. Minister of Agriculture
Mozambique: Hon. John Kachamila, Minister of Environment
Tanzania: Minister for Natural Resources & Tourism/Ministry of Environment
Kenya: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
5. GOVERNMENT FOCAL POINT (S)
Senegal: Office of the Environment and Classified Establishments.
Gambia: National Environment Agency
Cote d'Ivoire: Centre de Recherches Oceanographiques
Ghana: Ministry of Environment & Science
Nigeria: Mr. Catherine Isebor- Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research Lagos, Ministry of
Environment/ Forestry
Mozambique: Ministry of Environment/ Centre for Forestry Research/ MICOA
Tanzania: Institute of Marine Sciences
Kenya: Kenya Marine & Fisheries Research Institute
6. AFRICAN PROCESS WORKING GROUP FOCAL POINT (S)
(i).
Dr. Anthonio Hoguane (Regional Coordinator)
Eduardo Modlane University
Department of Physics
Maputo, Mozambique
(ii) Mr.
A.
K.
Armah (Regional Expert)
Department of Oceanography & Fisheries
University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana.
(iii). Dr. Helena Motta (Regional Expert)
Ministry for the Coordination of Environmental Affairs
Coastal Zone Management Unit
P.O. Box 678, Maputo, Mozambique
1.1
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Project Title: Management of Mangroves in Sub-Saharan Africa.
1. Background & Justification
In December 1998, several ministers from sub-Saharan Africa met in Cape Town and adopted a programme,
The African Process for the Development and Protection of the Coastal and Marine Environment, which
included the recommendations of an earlier meeting in Maputo (Maputo Declaration), to strengthen the
existing Abidjan and Nairobi Conventions for the judicious management of coastal resources and protection
of the marine environment.
The African Process began with the production of national concept papers based on critical analysis of the
main issues responsible for degradation of coastal resources and the marine environment. From these studies,
the need for a new approach to mangrove management was identified as a critical issue at the national level
by Senegal, Gambia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and Kenya. A
series of meetings were held by experts from the above countries to identify causes and provide suitable
interventions, in the form of project proposals, which would enhance the capacity of sub-Saharan African
countries to restore and control the modification or loss of coastal ecosystems and habitats, among other
issues and concerns. One of such key habitats and ecosystems identified by the group of experts is the
mangrove ecosystem.
Mangroves constitute an important natural resource to the socio-economic livelihoods of several coastal
communities and the environment at large. Mangrove forests have sustained some communities for
generations but with increases in population, threats to their existence have mounted. In Kenya, for example,
it has been exploited for centuries and the timber exploited to the Arabian peninsula. In other areas in Kenya,
the mangrove habitats have been destroyed to make way for shrimp farming and solar salt production. The
variety of uses of mangroves by local communities are so dispersed that it is considered unimportant in the
national economy of many developing countries. This view is buttressed by the fact that, in contrast to the
several lowland forest reserves, few if any, mangrove reserves exist in Africa.
Much of the value of mangroves is in non-market goods and services such as erosion control (serves as
vegetation cover protecting shorelines from storms), nurseries and feeding for fish species often harvested
elsewhere, sometimes in other neighbouring countries and provision of nutrients. Mangroves also provide
both subsistence and commercial wood products in the form of fuel wood and construction materials.
The open access of most mangrove forests makes them easy targets for removal of wood for charcoal
production or direct use as fuelwood. The demands of urban populations create attractive markets, which are
difficult for local people to resist where there are no restrictions on mangrove use. Extensive areas have been
turned over to national and sometimes international companies for solar salt production for export. In recent
times, pressure has been mounting to convert more mangrove areas for shrimp production in Africa, as
investors begin to shift/expand from their traditional locations in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Due to the phenomenal growth in the population of the coastal zone, dependency on mangroves and
encroachment of habitats has increased. This has led to over-exploitation of mangroves and pollution of its
habitats with serious adverse effects in many parts of Africa. For example, early accounts show that well-
developed mangrove communities were associated with, and largely confined to, semi-enclosed coastal
lagoons or embayments, generally with constrained tidal exchange and limited (and markedly seasonal)
freshwater input. Today, as a result of the development of large urban centres with significant
industrialisation, the extent of these lagoon mangroves has been much reduced and several species that could
be expected to occur are no longer found in several of such ecosystems in the region.
Direct impacts of mangrove loss and modification include change in the community structure of regenerating
stands, e.g. regenerating mangroves are dominated by inferior species of low commercial and utility value as
in Kenya and Senegal; shoreline instability resulting in erosion as reported in Kenya; relatively low fish
diversity as reported for Tudor mangrove creek in Mombasa. Finally, is the loss of important nursery sites,
loss of productivity of rivers and estuaries leading to a decline in recruitment for fisheries and subsequently
affecting the socio-economic status.
In many sub-Saharan countries, for example, Ghana, Benin, Togo, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria, mangrove loss
through overexploitation is in excess of 70% of the original cover. Traditional management of mangroves,
which existed in some countries, appear no longer sustainable. In Ghana, for example, cultivation and sale of
mangroves are important elements in the economy of the riparian communities of the Volta River estuary. In
the early 1960s areas cleared of mangrove were planted and harvested after 12 to 15 years. This allowed the
plants to mature and set seed to feed the regeneration cycle. In recent years, mangroves are harvested only 5
to 8 years after planting (before maturity) jeopardising the traditional management practice.
The mangroves of the Niger delta, estimated to cover approximately 7000km2 comprise a significant regional
resource, with fishing being a major activity. The pressure of a subsistence population has adversely affected
these mangroves but the discovery of hydrocarbon reserves in the mid-1950s in and around the delta may
have been the final straw. Nigeria currently produces around 1.6 million barrels per day from more than
4,000 oil wells spread within the Niger delta and adjacent coastal areas. Twenty-three out of 62 oil fields are
within the mangroves. Oil terminals are spread throughout the delta while 8,000 km of seismic lines (20-30m
wide) and oil pipelines criss-cross the mangroves. Oil spills are common; according to the best figures
available, between 1970 and 1982 alone, there were 1581 oil spills involving a total of two million barrels.
While most of the spills have been small, they have tended to occur within the mangrove waterways. As a
result, many of the surface waters are contaminated and undrinkable, localized fisheries production has
declined and in many instances, inhabitants have been forced to emigrate to other areas. More importantly
from a biodiversity perspective, the mangrove palm (Nypa fruticans) has recently become distributed
throughout the Niger Delta, invading and replacing native mangrove species. Although (N. fruticans) is
known from fossil record from the Niger delta, the current populations were introduced to Nigeria early this
century from Singapore. Since then, it has spread throughout the Niger, Imo Bonny and Cross Rivers and
while the spread has been slow, it appears to be accelerating, facilitated by local villagers who value its
thatching properties.
Mangrove forest cover in Ghana is estimated to be 10,000 hectares. Most of the mangroves have been lost
through exploitation for fuel-wood and conversion of the habitats for solar salt production. In many
instances, former mangrove habitats have been reduced to saline grasslands and herbs of Paspalum
vaginatum and Sesuvium portulacrastiun respectively. Similar threats to mangroves exist in several countries
in the sub-region such as Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, and Senegal.
In Cote d'Ivoire several human activities have been attributed to mangrove degradation. For instance,
unsustainable harvest of mangroves in the urban areas to meet the rising need for housing by the increasing
population has led to the felling of mangrove wood as building poles. Mangroves in the urban areas of the
Ebrie lagoon have disappeared as a result of industrial and domestic pollution generated by the city of
Abidjan's 3.5 million inhabitants. Fisheries practices using pesticides have also impacted adversely on the
mangrove forests in the Grand-Lahou area. Dam constructions on the Sassandra and Bandama Rivers have
caused a decrease in freshwater input into the lower estuarine reaches of these rivers, thus, altering the
intrusion of the estuarine salt wedge inland which ecologically affects the mangroves.
In Gambia, the Tujering lagoon and the River Kakima Delta support mangrove stands which have moderate
to high ecological value for fisheries and avifauna. However, some human activities such as tourism
development, timber collection, agricultural and road developments as well as commercial sand and salt
winning pose serious threats to the mangrove ecosystem.
Damming of the Senegal River in Senegal has contributed 70% to the degradation of the mangrove and
wetland ecosystems of the country. The other 30 % degradation is due to overexploitation of the mangrove
resources for energy and fisheries. The main fishery activity leading to the degradation of mangroves is the
harvesting of mangrove oyster by cutting the roots of mangal trees on which they are found. This problem is
confined mostly to the Casamance estuary to the south of the country. The Saloum estuary located to the
north of the Casamance estuary has suffered massive reduction in stream flow due to persistent drought
culminating in the formation of sterile hyper-saline soils (tannes). Consequently, mangrove habitats
associated with the estuary have been severely degraded.
In Eastern Africa, the total area of mangrove coverage has been estimated at 1,200,000 ha. Countries with
notable mangrove stands are Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Madagascar and to a lesser extent, South
Africa. The stands are more extensive in Mozambique (over 500,000 ha.), Madagascar (350,000ha) and
Tanzania (116,000 ha.) due to the several river systems jutting into the coast. Smaller stands occur in Kenya
(65,000 ha.) and along the northern Kwa-Zulu-Natal coast of South Africa (2000 ha). Rates of deforestation
may be as high as 15 % as in Maputo Province.
In Kenya, overexploitation of mangroves has resulted in shoreline instability resulting in damage to coastal
infrastructure and several settlements. Further over 5,000 ha. of mangroves have been cleared in the
Ngomeni Swamps for the construction of solar saltpans and shrimp aquaculture. Potential impacts include a
shortage of building materials and firewood, reduction in fisheries and increased coastal erosion that affect
agricultural fields. At Ungwana bay the decrease in prawn fisheries has been linked with the destructive uses
of the support system particularly mangrove forests.
Mangrove over-harvesting has led to fragmentation and modification of many of the forests in Tanzania.
Besides the common uses for firewood, charcoal and building, burning of live coral in kilns is a common
practice in many parts of Tanzania. Other threats have been the conversion of mangrove habitats for solar
salt pans, agriculture, aquaculture, infrastructure development and pollution.
Perhaps the country in sub-Saharan Africa with specific legislation on mangrove exploitation is
Mozambique where they designated as "reserves" as no commercial extraction activity is allowed. Despite
this worthy stand of the government, mangroves are still being threatened from over-extraction and pollution
in urban areas, particularly in Sofara and Zambezi provinces. About 3.6% was lost between 1972 and 1990
with higher rates up to 15.2 % in Maputo Province.
In conclusion, the wanton overexploitation of mangroves in sub-Saharan Africa has not only posed a threat
to ecological integrity and socio-economic stability of communities, but has, in many instances, led to loss of
cultural heritage to communities and compromised intergenerational equity. The unacceptable rate at which
mangroves are being lost in the region due to both natural and man made factors, underscores the urgent
need for action to be taken to avoid total loss, which inevitably will have disastrous effects on the
environment and the livelihood of several coastal communities.
This proposal seeks to address two major categories of threats on the mangrove ecosystems in the region
namely over exploitation and destruction of mangrove habitats, through appropriate interventions. Though
this is not addressed by this project, it is also worth mentioning that mangrove habitats are extremely prone
to the impacts of climate change and especially sea level rise.
2. Objectives & Expected Results
The Project (overall objectives) aims at the management of mangroves in Sub-Saharan Africa by enhancing
their productivity, stability as well as the functional integrity of the ecosystems through appropriate
interventions, under a five (5) year programme of activities. The project will provide jobs, generate revenue
and alleviate poverty at the national as well as the regional level. As productivity of mangroves is increased,
spawning grounds for national and transboundary fish stocks would be enhanced thereby improving the
fisheries of the region and thus ensuring food security in the region. Other positive impacts of the project will
be reduction in the exploitation of mangroves as well as enhanced alternative livelihoods for coastal
communities.
Immediate objectives and expected outputs:
1. Socio economic studies, assessment of current biophysical status and training on mangrove related
issues
Output 1.1: Creation of a sub-regional/regional database on mangrove locations, belief systems and taboos,
ecological values, current and future economic benefits.
Output: 1.2: A new action framework and policy guidelines for the conservation and sustainable
management of mangrove wetlands based on regionally or sub-regionally harmonized policies or laws.
Output: 1.3: Enhanced particpation of the local communities and all stakeholders in Joint Mangrove
Management.
Output 1.4: Updated assessment of the current biophysical status of mangroves.
Output 1.5: Trained manpower for mangrove management.
Output 1.6: Establish short-term attachments: (1) between countries and (2) with appropriate regional
organizations for exchange of lessons learned, information sharing and regional capacity building.
2: Generation of /increase in awareness on importance of mangroves among the communities and
general public.
Output 2.1: Informed public and communities on the importance of mangroves.
Output 2.2. A detailed critical review of the past and current mangrove management projects and programs
within the region from a multidisciplinary perspective which will include a primer on mangroves for the
communities and general public.
3: Demonstration projects on mangrove rehabilitation and the creation of alternative sources of
energy and building materials.
Output 3.1: Demonstration mangrove reforestation project.
Output 3.2: Community woodlots of suitable species, e.g. Cassia sp. as alternative source of energy and
building materials.
Output 3.3: A decreasing dependence on mangroves as source of fuel.
4: Mangrove forest reserves
Output 4.1: Establish sensitive mangrove areas as reserves and nature parks.
1.2
5: Sustainable Livelihood development (based on assessment of impacts and models)
Output 5.1: Ecological-economic models of mangrove ecosystems
Output 5.2: Integrated mangrove management demo projects e.g. integrated fisheries in mangrove areas as
alternative livelihood.
The above activities are expected to lead to an enhanced productivity of mangrove ecosystems in the sub-
region. Several indicators, for example, decreased rate of deforestation of mangrove, number of restored and
managed sites, number of communities responding to mangrove management plans and number of mangrove
reserves established will serve as milestones.
3. Project Components/Activities
The following constitute the main components and their respective activities to be undertaken to deliver the
results.
COMPONENT 1: Socio economic studies, assessment of current biophysical status and training on
mangrove related issues
The objective of this component is to evaluate the socio-cultural, ecological values and rates of deforestation
of mangroves. Additionally, scientific and technical information will be accessed and packaged for decision
makers. Technical support will also be made available in the form of trained personnel who will be available
to help in mangrove restoration and management.
Activity1.1: Update national and regional database for participating countries. Database will include
information on location of mangrove, state of degradation, belief systems, ecological values, current and
future economic benefits associated with it.
Activity1.2: Estimate the past and current states of mangrove and determine extent of deforestation.
Activity 1.3: Organise regional workshops and training sessions for personnel associated with mangrove
management to enhance skills and bring them up to the state-of-theart level.
COMPONENT 2: Generation/increase of awareness on importance of mangroves among the
communities and general public.
One of the reasons for the wanton destruction of mangroves and their habitats is the extremely low
awareness among communities and the general public of its importance to society and industry. An
appreciation of the immense benefits mangroves offer by all the stakeholders and policy-makers would help
in ensuring sustainability of the interventions proposed in this project.
Activity 2.1: Organise education of public using inter alia workshops, public fora, film shows, signage and
primers for spreading the ecological and economic importance of mangrove wetlands to local school children
and community members.
COMPONENT 3: New demonstration projects on mangrove rehabilitation and the creation of
alternative sources of energy and building materials.
The objective of this project component is to develop on a pilot basis, mangrove rehabilitation projects,
alternative sources of energy and building materials with the view to reducing dependency on mangroves and
enhancing their productivity.
Activity 3.1: Identify suitable localities/communities in each participating country for the implementation of
the pilot project and where appropriate, restore suitable hydrologic regimes in the areas to be restored.
Activity 3.2: Mobilise community, educate, motivate and involve them in reforestation exercise. Develop and
teach propagation techniques to establish and maintain mangrove nurseries.
Activity 3.3: Acquire (where necessary) and prepare land for demonstration project and planting of
propagules.
Activity 3.4: Access land and cultivate suitable plant materials, which may be used as fuelwood (coppicing)
and as building material.
Activity 3.5: Encourage the use of other sources of fuel (such as natural gas) through education.
COMPONENT 4: Mangrove forest reserves
Most participating countries have established protected forest reserves in their hinterlands. Sensitive
mangrove forests of near pristine conditions with biodiversity relatively undisturbed will have to be
protected in a similar manner either as marine protected areas or Ramsar sites on national or transborder
basis.
Activity 4.1: Identify sensitive or near pristine mangrove forests (national and transboundary, e.g. Bakassi
Peninsula between Nigeria and Cameroon) and enact appropriate national/bilateral legislation for their
protection.
1.3
COMPONENT 5: Sustainable Livelihood development
This may involve introduction of land- or water-based livelihoods (freshwater fish ponds, mariculture),
promotion of existing sustainable livelihoods, modifications or improvements to existing livelihoods and
campaigns against destructive practices. The approach is new and will be based on assessment and modeling
of ecological and economic impacts of alternative livelihoods with the view to identifying the most optimal
strategies. These will then be marketed to the management sectors. In most instances, case study areas will
be selected in each of the participating countries.
Activity 5.1: Jointly organise regional training programs on ecological-economic modeling for participating
countries.
Activity 5.2: Determine optimal management strategies through ecological-economic modeling of mangrove
resources in participating countries.
Activity 5.2.1: Establish appropriate income-enhancing alternative livelihoods such as pilot fish farms,
vegetable farms and honey harvesting.
4. Linkages to Other National or Regional Activities/Transboundary Aspects
Almost all the coastal wetlands of tropical Africa had been covered with extensive mangrove swamps until
recent times. A number of these mangrove swamps have catchments shared by neighbouring countries.
Additionally, mangrove products and other resources of the wetlands are shared by communities close to
swamp environments. Some are also exported across the borders e.g. Aby lagoon in Cote d'Ivoire. Togo and
Benin, Cameroon and Nigeria, DR and Congo, Senegal and Gambia, Tanzania and Kenya: all share wetlands
that have mangroves. Other countries which could join include Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau, Republic of
Guinea, Liberia, Cameroun and Gabon on the basis of commonality of issues.
The Abidjan and Nairobi Conventions: These conventions seek, inter alia, to promote conservation of
biodiversity, sustainable utilization of ecosystems as well as urging member countries to cooperate towards
achieving the aims of the convention. The parties to the Abidjan and Nairobi Conventions are seeking ways
towards harmonizing their existing programs. Those that seek to prevent degradation of mangrove habitats
will promote biodiversity conservation and contribute to preservation of spawning grounds of many fishes
shared by large marine ecosystems of the regions.
Aspects of programs by UNEP, UNIDO, GEF, SEACAM, WIOMSA, WWF, IUCN in the region have
contained elements that reduce directly or indirectly mangrove degradation. These include poverty reduction
programs, flood control measures, use of biogas for energy, protection of coastal areas. Projects such as the
Gulf of Guinea Large Marine Ecosystem with ICAM components have contributed positively, to some
degree, to the objectives of this project proposal.
DFID, WWF, SAREC, USAID, SIDA, GEF, UNDP and UNIDO have either supported similar projects or
are currently supporting mangrove regeneration projects within the region. The GEF funded Gulf of Guinea
Large Marine Project of West Africa, World Bank and CIDA projects in Tanzania had components
addressing mangrove management. DFID had also supported studies on mangrove management studies at
the Lower Volta in Ghana. In Nigeria, the Federal Government has initiated on a pilot basis, community-
based restoration of mangroves in some areas invaded by the Nypa palm. Under the National Coastal Zone
Management Program of Mozambique, the World Bank is implementing a GEF financed Coastal and Marine
Biodiversity Management Project with elements that will address establishment of marine conservation
areas. In Kenya, mangrove plantations for the rehabilitation of degraded mangrove areas have in the past
been supported by WWF and USAID. The ongoing programs on ecological economics of mangrove
associated fisheries in Ungwana bay is being supported by SAREC through WIOMSA.
5. Demonstrative Value & Replicability
The importance of mangrove ecosystems is widely appreciated, hence the need to enhance their productivity
and stability. Due to the wide spread of the mangrove vegetation throughout the West and East African sub-
regions, and the fact that species assemblage and structure differ, a sub-regional approach rather than a
national approach to its rehabilitation would have a greater impact. Hence a successful demonstrative project
on mangroves in any of the sub-regional countries has a high potential of replication throughout the sub-
region. This factor is further underscored by the similarities in the biophysical and socio-cultural
environment in each of the sub-regions. As some countries are ahead of others in mangrove management
efforts, adopting a regional approach will lead to greater impacts as, for example, lessons learnt can be
shared; and also, as the fishes that utilize the mangrove habitats are transboundary.
The approaches outlined in the project components could also be replicated for other instances of threatened
habitats and ecosystems that need immediate attention in terms of conservation or rehabilitation.
6. Risks and Sustainability
The major risk to the project will be the acceptance and rejection of the projects by the communities within
the mangrove areas and whose activities especially impact the mangroves. Without adequate education and
change in attitude, restorative, protective and preservative efforts to enhance the mangrove ecosystems will
not be productive. Also without the provision of an alternative source of fuelwood and building material,
there could still be the tendency for the harvesting of mangroves for such purposes. The availability of land
for the project and seedlings for planting are also potential constraints that could affect the projects. Lack of
rain or incidence floods could also adversely affect the projects.
Legislative mechanisms at protecting the mangrove ecosystems must be strengthened, or where it is non-
existent, be enacted to serve as a deterrent. This would mostly be influenced by policies of local and national
government who might not, for example, be enthusiastic about mangrove ecosystems or who might sacrifice
mangroves for some other economic gain (such as oil and salt, for example). Finally economic inputs from
government and development partners may be lacking which would hamper the smooth implementation to
the projects.
Measures that may mitigate/minimize the risks include the enactment of appropriate legislation to serve as a
disincentive to anyone who might still want to destroy the mangroves. Ownership of mangrove and frequent
monitoring can also be ways in which their destruction can be reversed. Governments and local authorities
must be made aware of the importance of mangroves and encouraged to help in their protection. The various
environmental agencies of the governments should also take an active part in this endeavour.
The economic benefits of the mangroves may not be readily obvious, however, increases in fishery resources
and a cleaner environment are some of the benefits of mangroves. Immediate benefits of the project include
high mangrove productivity, biodiversity conservation, erosion control, flood and storm control. The
economic benefits may include tourism where mangrove boardwalks (for example) can be created for
tourists and contribute to the local economy and promote poverty reduction.
Measures to ensure the sustainability of project outcomes will largely depend on the willingness of local
authorities and governments (as well as NGOs) to continue with the sponsorship of the projects. Pilot
projects, such as planting of woodlots, can be sustained by local communities so long as they are properly
managed. For example, woodlots would provide additional income to which could be added higher income
generating activities like honey gathering. The involvement of research institutions such as universities and
other research institutions in the project during its inception phase will ensure adequate trained manpower
and institutional willingness in providing the necessary technical assistance to the project. In terms of
recurrent funding, this will depend largely upon the locality and its potential income generating capability.
For example, mangrove ecotourism should be able to be self-financing but protecting mangroves in remote
areas will have to be supported from central government sources.
The most critical measure in sustaining the project will be the education of the inhabitants of the
communities living near the mangroves on the true value of mangroves and the willingness of local
authorities and governments to continually support the project. The inclusion of enhanced economic
livelihoods would ensure self-sustenance of the project.
7. Stakeholder Participation
The immediate beneficiaries and stakeholders of the projects would be the mangrove dependent human
communities. Local authorities and national governments and agencies related to the environment would also
be stakeholders as well as beneficiaries of the projects. These will be identified during the initial assessment
on current biophysical status of mangroves and socio-cultural practices of the communities (See Component
1). Other stakeholders include environmental organizations and NGOs, sub-regional, regional and
international bodies and projects such as the World Bank, ADB, OMVG, GTZ, GEF, USAID, EXIM Bank,
WWF, IUCN, UNDP, JICA, UNEP, DFID, DANIDA, UNIDO, WACAF, NORAD, CIDA,ITTO, ISME.
8. Project Management & Implementation Arrangements
The project is expected to be implemented under the auspices of the ministries of environment/forestry of the
participating countries, and executed by the appropriate sector agencies which, in most countries, is the
Environment Protection Agency or its equivalent. In certain situations, setting up of separate bodies or inter-
agency coordinating mechanism will be more appropriate where the projects overlap two or more ministerial
sectors.
Several organisations may be involved as subsidiaries in the execution of project activities under the key
executing body. These may include the Wildlife Department, Forestry Department, Ministry of Tourism,
metropolitan and local authorities, NGOs, the universities and research institutes. The research components
such as assessments of rates of mangrove degradation and modeling of ecological-economic relationships
will fall under the domain of universities and research institutes. NGOs would be the primary contact bodies
with the communities and responsible for the coordination of activities such as awareness creation,
demonstration projects on mangrove rehabilitation and creation of alternative energy sources and sustainable
livelihoods.
A possible implementation strategy would involve the establishment of two sub-regional coordinating offices
for East and West Africa respectively. This will facilitate the harmonization of sub-regional policies and
possibly laws, networking across the sub-region as well as allow regional information sharing, networking
and sharing of best practices and lessons learned. National coordinators should be appointed through
advertisements, interviews and located within appropriate sector agencies, e.g. Forestry Departments or the
Ministry of the Environments. Remuneration must be internationally competitive for both regional and
national coordinators. Human resources required may include socio-economists, environmentalists,
mangrove experts, marine biologists, gender specialists and coastal zone management experts. The project,
preferably, should be led by a coastal zone management expert of varied experience involving scientific
work on mangroves, NGOs and community work.
9. Project Financing & Duration
The entire project is estimated at US$ 1,500,000 for each participating country. This includes both capital
and recurrent expenditure. The duration of the project is 5 years. Financial sources for the implementation of
the project are expected to come from financial institutions, the donor community and bilateral
arrangements. The participating countries should provide about 10% of the total cost in kind or in cash. The
bulk of the cost may come from sources like the Global Environment Facility as the nature of the project
falls under its biodiversity module and has several transboundary components. Table 1 summarises the
relevant financial information.
10. Monitoring, Evaluation & Dissemination
Monitoring will be conducted on a quarterly basis and evaluated annually. Two independent local experts
from the participating country selected by the executing body should conduct monitoring. Annual evaluation
should be done by three experts; two from the participating country and one from outside the participating
country. The quality and impacts will be measured through site visits, questionnaires and interviews. The
main indicators will be the level of reduction on dependence of mangroves and the number of alternative
livelihood activities successfully established. The economic impacts of the alternative activities introduced
should be assessed through surveys and improved health statistics. At the end of the project period, an
international mangrove expert should be called in to evaluate the project.
11. Work Plan and Timetable
The project is scheduled over a 5-year horizon for the various components. The duration of each component
is indicated in Table 2.
1.4
TABLE 1
COMPONENT AND ACTIVITY FINANCING
EXTERNAL SOURCE OF FUNDS
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
TOTAL
COMPONENT
SOURCE 1
SOURCE 2
SOURCE 3
CASH
IN-KIND
US$
COMPONENT 1: Socioeconomic studies, inventory of
180
20
200
bio-physical components of mangroves and training on
mangrove related issues.
Activity1.1: Create national and regional database for
90 10
100
participating countries. Database to include information
on location of mangrove, state of degradation, belief
systems, ecological values, current and future economic
benefits associated with it.
Activity 1.2: Estimate the past and current states of
45 5 50
mangroves and to determine extent of deforestation.
Activity 1.3: Organise regional workshops and training
45 5 50
sessions for personnel associated with mangrove
management.
COMPONENTS 2: Generation/increase awareness on
90 10
100
importance of mangroves among the communities and
general public.
Activity 2.1: Organise education of public using inter
90 10
100
alia workshops, public for a, film shows, signage and
primers.
COMPONENT 3: Demonstration projects on mangrove
450
50
500
rehabilitation and the creation of alternative sources of
energy and building materials.
Activity 3.1: Acquire and prepare land for demonstration
90 10
100
project and planting of propagules.
Activity 3.2: Mobilise community, educate, motivate and
45 5 50
involve them in reforestation exercise.
Activity 3.3: Accessing of land and the cultivation of
270
30
300
suitable plant materials, which may be used as fuelwood
(coppicing) and as building material.
Activity 3.4: Encourage the use of other sources of fuel
45 5 50
(such as natural gas) through education.
1.5
COMPONENT
EXTERNAL SOURCE OF FUNDS
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
TOTAL
SOURCE 1
SOURCE 2
SOURCE 3
CASH
IN-KIND
US$
COMPONENTS 4: Mangrove forest reserves
180
20 200
Activity 4.1: Identification of sensitive or near pristine
180
20 200
mangrove forests (national and transboundary, e.g. Bakassi
Peninsula shared between Nigeria and Cameroon) and the
enactment of appropriate national/bilateral legislation for their
protection.
COMPONENT 5: Sustainable livelihood development.
450
50 500
Activity 5.1: Joint regional training programs on ecological-
90 10 100
economic modeling for participating countries.
Activity 5.2: Determine optimal management strategies through
90 10 100
ecological-economic modeling of mangrove resources in
participating countries.
Activity 5.3: Establish appropriate income-enhancing
270
30 300
alternative livelihoods, such as pilot fish farms, vegetable farms
and honey harvesting.
Note: This budget is preliminary and has not undergone a full consultation process with the respective countries. Therefore, does not indicate the actual financial
commitment that would be provided by participating countries once the project proposal and its components are finalised.
ANNEX A: (LOGFRAME MATRIX)
Overall goal of the
Objectively verifiable indicators
Means of verification (monitoring
Critical assumptions
intervention
focus)
Sustainable management
1. Enhanced productivity and
Field visits, interviews and
No major natural hazard or industrial
of mangrove habitats
stability of mangroves.
questionnaires, vegetation maps and
impact and good cooperation from
stand tables.
communities involved.
2. Establishment of mangrove forest
Field visits with monitoring of level
No major natural hazard and good
reserves.
of disturbance. Stratification of
cooperation from communities
mangroves into protected, utililization involved.
and protection zone
1.5.1
Objective of the
Objectively verifiable indicators
Means of Verification (Monitoring
Critical Assumption
project
focus)
1. Enhancing the
1. Increase in mangrove biomass.
Assessment of standing
No external disasters like oil spill,
productivity and stability
Stock and biomass.
fire, floods.
of mangroves.
2. Increase in biodiversity of
Assessment of diversity.
1.No external disasters like oil spill,
mangrove ecosystem.
fire, floods
2.No introduction of exotic species
3. Increase in numbers and diversity
Assessment of abundance and
1. No external disasters like oil spill,
species using mangroves
diversity.
fire, floods.
ecosystem as nurseries.
2. No introduction of exotic species.
3. Cooperation from fishers.
2
PROJECT IMPACT (OUTCOME)
Project components
Impacts
Objectively verifiable
Means of Verification
Critical Assumption
indicators
(Monitoring focus)
COMPONENT 1:
Database on mangroves
Expert's report
Seek second opinion
Database dependable for
reasonable period of time
Rate of deforestation
Expert's report
Seek second opinion
Rates determined
Socioeconomic studies, updated mangrove
established
dependable for reasonable
inventory and training on mangrove related
period of time.
issues.
Personnel associated with
Number and regional
Assessment Persons
trained
available
mangroves trained
diversity of persons trained
after training period
COMPONENTS 2:
Awareness of significance
Level of awareness
Assessment
Full cooperation from public
Generation/increase awareness on importance
of mangroves
generated, reduction in
and communities
of mangroves among the communities and
mangrove exploitation,
general public.
participation in
conservation programs, use
of alternative fuel and
building materials.
COMPONENT 3:
Projects on mangrove
Number of rehabilitation
Site inspection
Active community
Demonstration projects on mangrove
rehabilitation
sites successfully planted
participation, availability of
rehabilitation and the creation of alternative
-reduced deforestation
land and resources.
sources of energy and building materials.
COMPONENTS 4:
Mangrove reserve sites
Legal document protecting Legal document protecting Capacity of regulatory
Mangrove forest reserves
designated
mangrove sites/reserves
mangrove sites/reserves
bodies to monitor and
enforce the law. Adequate
cooperation from the
communities.
COMPONENT 5:
Introduction of sustainable Economic well-being of
External assessment using
More communities would
Sustainable livelihood development
livelihood e.g. integrated
people engaged in the
questionnaires, interviews,
get involved on realization
aquaculture
program. Increase or
focal group discussions,
of the viability of the
decrease in the number of
e.t.c.
programmes.
participants
PROJECT RESULTS
Project components
Results
Objectively verifiable
Means of Verification
Critical Assumption
indicators
(Monitoring focus)
COMPONENT 1:
Evaluated taboo and other
Expert's report
Expert's report
Willingness of communities
Socioeconomic studies of mangrove related
socio-cultural beliefs
to provide relevant
issues
associated with mangroves
information. No current
major activity in place
affecting ecological values.
Established rates and
Expert's report
Changes in mangrove
No major external factors
extent of deforestation
cover over time
(e.g. diseases, oil spills,
floods, etc) impinging on
deforestation.
Training in mangrove
Number of persons trained
Number of trained persons
All trained personnel would
management
involved in mangrove
be involved during the
management
project and after. No loss of
trained personnel.
COMPONENTS 2:
Informed public
Various awareness
Facilitators reports,
Targeted communities would
Generation/increase awareness on importance
programmes, e.g.
interviews and
participate in the awareness
of mangroves among the communities and
workshops, public for a,
questionnaires
programmes
general public.
film shows
COMPONENT 3:
Implementation of
Various sites under
Site inspection and
Communities can
Demonstration projects on mangrove
demonstrative projects on
cultivation
monitoring
sustainably manage and
rehabilitation and the creation of alternative
mangrove rehabilitation
expand plantations when
sources of energy and building materials.
project ends.
COMPONENTS 4:
Mangrove forest reserves
Number of mangrove
Site inspection and
Availability of suitable sites.
Mangrove forest reserves
habitats designated as
monitoring. Legislative
Cooperation of communities
reserve
instruments.
COMPONENT 5:
Establishment of income
Number of projects
Inspection and monitoring
Availability of markets for
Sustainable livelihood development
enhancing livelihood
established.
of change in livelihood
new activities. Acceptability
projects.
leading to reduction on
of the projects by the
dependency of mangroves
communities.
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
Project components
Objectively verifiable indicators
Means of Verification
Critical Assumption
(Monitoring focus)
COMPONENT/ ACTIVITY 1:
Information on traditional
An appraisal team to verify
Willingness of communities to
Socioeconomic studies and training on mangrove related
perceptions of preserving
evaluation.
provide relevant information. No
issues
mangroves and ecological values.
current major activity in place
affecting ecological values.
Matching future changes with
Changes in mangrove cover over
No major external factors (e.g. oil
determined rates
time
spills, diseases, floods etc)
Number of trained personnel and
instances of technical support.
Database created on location,
Assessment of Databases
Information available on
social and ecological values of
mangroves. Cooperation of
lagoons.
communities
COMPONENT/ ACTIVITY 2:
Number and variety of awareness
External assessment using
Adequate resources for training
Generation/increase awareness on importance of
creating tools introduced
questionnaires, interviews, focal
mangroves among the communities and general public.
group discussions, etc
COMPONENT/ ACTIVITY 3:
Number of projects established
Field visit to project sites
Adequate resources for mangrove
Demonstration projects on mangrove rehabilitation and the
rehabilitation
creation of alternative sources of energy and building
materials.
COMPONENT/ ACTIVITY 4:
Legal instruments by the
Field assessment of project
Cooperation of communities and
Mangrove forest reserves
Government or local authority.
government
Designation of reserved area
COMPONENT/ ACTIVITY 5:
Number and variety of alternative External assessment using
Willingness of the communities
Sustainable livelihood development
economic activities. Number of
questionnaires, interviews, focal
to adopt the alternative economic
persons/community involved
group discussions, etc
activities.
Table 2: Outline Work Plan and Timetable
Year
1 2 3 4 5
COMPONENT
Quarter 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
PROJECT INITIATION ACTIVITIES
COMPONENT 1: Socioeconomic studies and training on
mangrove related issues
Activity1.1: Create national and regional database for
participating countries. Database to include information on
location of mangrove, state of degradation, belief systems,
ecological values, current and future economic benefits
associated with it.
Activity 1.1: Estimate the past and current states of mangroves
and to determine extent of deforestation.
Activity 1.2: Organise regional workshops and training sessions
for personnel associated with mangrove management.
COMPONENTS 2: Generation/increase awareness on
importance of mangroves among the communities and general
public.
Activity 2.1: Organise education of public using inter alia
workshops, public for a, film shows, signage and primers.
COMPONENT 3: Demonstration projects on mangrove
rehabilitation and the creation of alternative sources of energy
and building materials.
Activity 3.1: Identify suitable localities/communities in each
participating country for the implementation of the pilot project.
Activity 3.2: Mobilise community, educate, motivate and
involve them in reforestation exercise.
Activity 3.3:
Acquire and prepare land for demonstration project and planting
of mangrove propagules
Activity 3.4:
Accessing of land and the cultivation of suitable plant materials,
which may be used as fuelwood (coppicing) and as building
material.
Activity 3.5:
Encourage the use of other sources of fuel (such as natural gas)
through education.
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
COMPONENTS 4:
Mangrove forest reserves
Activity 4.1:
Identification of sensitive or near pristine mangrove forests
(national and transboundary, e.g. Bakassi Peninsula between
Nigeria and Cameroon) and the enactment of appropriate
national/bilateral legislation for their protection.
COMPONENT 5:
Sustainable livelihood development.
Activity 5.1.1:
Joint regional training programs on ecological-economic
modeling for participating countries.
Activity 5.1.2:
Determine optimal management strategies through ecological-
economic modeling of mangrove resources in participating
countries.
Activity 5.2.1:
Establish appropriate income-enhancing alternative livelihoods
such as pilot fish farms, vegetable farms and honey harvesting.