Investable

Sundarbans Mangrove Restoration

Restoring mangroves to protect coastal communities, strengthen aquaculture livelihoods and generate blue carbon benefits.

Mangrove Restoration

West Bengal, India

800,000+ / 40 years

5,000 ha

Stage:

Post Feasibility

Standard:

Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) | VM0033 Methodology for Tidal Wetland and Seagrass Restoration v2.1

ABout

Project Overview

West Bengal, India

Located in the northern Sundarbans of West Bengal, this project aims to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems within shrimp aquaculture farms using an Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture (IMA) approach. By reintroducing mangroves into production landscapes, the project seeks to stabilise embankments, improve water quality and enhance biodiversity, while strengthening the productivity of shrimp farming systems that local communities depend on.

Over a 40-year crediting period, the project will restore and manage 5,000 hectares of aquaculture farms, establishing approximately 2 million mangrove trees. Reforestation is expected to deliver an estimated reduction of over 800,000 tCO₂e through increased above- and below-ground biomass and soil carbon storage.

Beyond carbon, the project is designed to build climate resilience and improve livelihoods in a region facing rising sea levels, saltwater intrusion and frequent storms. By promoting more sustainable aquaculture practices, supporting women-led self-help groups (SHGs) in nursery management, and creating revenue-sharing opportunities from the sale of carbon credits, the project aims to create prosperous and resilient aquaculture systems.

Implementation partners:

CO-BENEFITS

Environmental co-benefits

Mangrove restoration will revitalise natural systems to strengthen coastal resilience and enhance biodiversity values.

Improving coastal stability and function

Rebuilding critical coastal ecosystems will improve shoreline stability and ecological function.

Supporting aquatic and estuarine wildlife

Improving habitat for species including the Ganges River Dolphin, Irrawaddy Dolphin, fish, crustaceans and diverse birdlife.

Carbon storage

Sequestration of over 800,000 tCO2e over 40 years, contributing to global carbon reduction targets.

SDGs

CO-BENEFITS

Social co-benefits

Grounded in sustainable aquaculture and community participation, this project aims to improve incomes, expand skills and strengthen social inclusion.

Strengthening aquaculture livelihoods

Sustainable farming practices and improved water management aim to increase yields, reduce risk and support more stable farmer incomes.

Women’s economic participation

Women’s self-help groups will lead mangrove nurseries and receive training to expand their roles in aquaculture and local decision-making.

Building community capacity

Training and institutional support for farmers, cooperatives and SHGs will help communities adopt climate-smart aquaculture and benefit from carbon finance.

SDGs

Interested in investing in this project?

Investment will help restore one of the world’s most important mangrove ecosystems while supporting more resilient, sustainable aquaculture systems for communities on the frontline of climate change.