Coastal Tanzania
Tanzanians are restoring a vast area of mangrove forests to protect homes and livelihoods
Our tree growers are replanting mangroves along the Tanzanian coast. Growers are paid for every mangrove tree that they plant and protect for its first two years, creating meaningful employment opportunities in these rapidly changing coastal communities.
Mangroves are widely considered among the most critical ecosystems for maintaining a functional biosphere. These forests are regarded as some of the most effective CO2 sequestering ecosystems, acting as “blue carbon” sinks by incorporating absorbed carbon their biomass and mud. Perhaps more importantly they serve as nurseries for tropical ocean fish and invertebrates. Hundred of species rely on mangroves as safe places for their young to grow up, before venturing to coral reefs and the open ocean. Without these forests fish stocks become depleted, directly impacting the lives of fisherman and their families in these coastal communities.
Mangrove forests are also essential for protecting coastal communities from storm surges and rising sea levels. Many of the towns and villages surrounding our restoration sites have become more vulnerable as they have lost their protective mangrove forests from wood harvesting and land conversion for farming and salt extraction. Through the pay-to-grow system, we are creating an immediate and tangible incentive for members of these communities to restore and protect these vital forests.
Team members have become mangrove champions, not only replanting and protecting their shores, but engaging in mangrove advocacy within their communities. Although mangroves are inexpensive and easy to plant compared to other types of tree seedlings, there are extra challenges that come with growing trees in the ocean. For instance, young mangrove seedlings (or propagules) without a strong root system to anchor them, are easily swept away by wave action and changing currents. Luckily, these seedlings can be easily replaced year-round, and our pay-to-grow system ensures that growers return to check on their seedlings regularly and replace them as necessary.
Once the trees have anchored themselves after a few months, they require little care, beyond protection from people.
$0.45 grows a new mangrove tree
For 2022 - 2023 we hope to grow over 100,000 new mangrove trees across the Tanzanian coast. Many mangroves are inexpensive and easy to plant. However, tree survival is another matter, so we incentivize growers to return to planting sites in a few weeks for a second tracking with replacement seedlings in hand.
Project costs over time
Most of project funds are directed to growers and crew leaders on the ground over the course of three trackings. Admin costs cover the work of validating and mapping tree images, making payments and fundraising/overhead for Fairtree.
2 year tracking schedule
Growers are incentivized to return to their trees periodically, to provide care and to track each tree’s survival. Growers and crew leaders are paid a certain amount per tree for every image they upload.