Mangrove plantation In Badarkhali
Annual brief report 2013- 2014
Mangrove Plantation Research activities have been carried out in the Badarkhali union, Chakaria upazila, Cox’sbazar district. Selection of land for plantation of mangrove vegetation, establishment of nursery, planting saplings in the selected areas, maintenance of mangrove vegetation were the main activities implemented in this reporting period.
Establishment of Nursery for Keora (Sonneratia apetala)
Kaora and Bain are regarded as the pioneer species for mangrove vegetation. Keora grows in soft mud and it is very fast growing. It has high biomass production potentials. The trees attract varieties of birds. The fruits of keora are also favorite feed of many species of fish. The fruits are edible. Keora grows better in inter tidal region. It also happily allows under growths. Ten acres of land were selected for establishment of nursery for keora on the north char land of the Matamohuri river. There were 7000 seedling planted in the select areas through project support.
Benefits of mangrove forest
The mangrove plantation was covered around 3 sq km of mangrove established by Beez Bistar Foundation has been guarding the coastal area from different natural calamities. Tidal surge and cyclones are common occurrence in the coastal area during the monsoon season. Sometimes the tidal bores are so strong that the coastal embankments are broken. It is observed in such situation that the coastal embankments, dwelling houses and other infrastructure are better saved in places where there is mangrove forest on the coast.
Benefits and changes due to mangrove plantation
- The arial roots on the base of the mangrove plants offer better habitat for spawning of varieties of fishes.
- The leaves and fruits of mangrove vegetation are attractive feeds of the fish species.
- Varieties of birds including Kalibok, dholibok, tia, ghugu, charui, babui, dahuk, chamueshthta, pankouri have been nesting in the mangroves. Chirping of varieties of birds has been inviting other wild animals in the forest.
- Dropped leaves and branches from the big threes are added attraction for the fire wood collecting kids.
- During high tied period the fishers are busy for catching varieties of fishes including tengra, bata, datila, kaun etc.
- Different species of aquatic life forms including snails, crabs, perki, domfish, benda, chewa etc have been appearing.
- Livelihood supports for poor people and fishers have been enriched with the establishment of the mangrove plantation.