Economic feasibility of mangrove restoration in the Southeastern Coast of Bangladesh

Chakaria Sundarban (CSB), Maheshkhali, and Kutubdia are the major mangrove islands in the Southeastern Coast of Bangladesh. The mangroves of these islands have been replaced almost entirely with shrimp and salt farms. Shifting mangrove land to non-mangrove uses has left the coast with adverse environmental consequences. Local people are realizing that integrated silvofishery could be a way better option compared to the existing non-mangrove land use. This study was designed to evaluate the economic potentials of mangrove restoration in these islands through four silvofishery practices- Integrated Mangrove Shrimp (IMS), Integrated Nypa Shrimp (INS), Mangrove Bio-Filter (MBF), and Integrated Mangrove Crab (IMC). Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) in IMS was the highest, 2.33 on a 35-year long time horizon for analysis followed by INS and MBF with BCRs 1.80 and 1.40, respectively. Only IMC had the BCR greater than 1.00 in all three phases of restoration. Overall, when environmental benefits of mangroves were considered, all the silvofishery practices ensured better returns for the society compared to what the existing land use is providing. However, the restoration efforts are expected to face enormous challenges from existing sociopolitical makeup of the islands. The success of proposed restoration program is contingent to community participation in the process and strong political commitment of the government and the leadership in the study area.