Environmental Initiatives

The Mission’s Goal is environmental protection and sustenance of the biodiversity of the most fragile eco state of Sundarbans in West Bengal, India and its mangrove plantations. Mangrove reforestation is most important. The benefits include providing a natural barrier against violent storms and floods, slowing erosion and helping fight global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. By filtering coastal waters, the mangroves provide a nutrient-rich breeding ground for numerous species. The plantations also provide a livelihood for the people of Sunderbans living in and around these mangroves. At Uttardanga (Gosaba) we have now planted 7500 mangrove saplings in an area of 66,500 sq. ft. where they have now grown at a rate of around 2 ft. per 2 months. We have one dedicated person looking after the plantation.

Forestation

Villagers recently planted 3,200 Mangrove seedlings on the riverbeds of the Sundarban islands. Growing in coastal salt waters, mangroves are vital to the ecosystem of the region. Mangrove forests:

• Slow soil erosion and provide a natural barrier against violent storms and floods;

• Sequester 3x the carbon from the atmosphere of other trees to combat climate change;

• Provide livelihood to residents living in and around the mangroves;

• Filter coastal waters, offering a nutrient-rich breeding ground for numerous species.

Organic Farming

• Training in organic and eco-friendly agricultural methods to preserve fragile soils;

• Ongoing education, in association with educational institutions, on latest eco-friendly organic agricultural production and animal husbandry methods.