Mangroves for Future (MFF)

Mangroves for the Future (MFF) is a pioneering regional initiative that promotes the conservation and sustainable management of coastal ecosystems, particularly mangroves, across countries in Asia and the Indian Ocean region. Established in the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the programme emphasises the role of healthy coastal ecosystems in protecting coastal communities, enhancing livelihoods, and ensuring ecological resilience against natural disasters and climate change.
MFF operates as a partnership-based platform, bringing together governments, civil society, private sector organisations, and local communities to achieve long-term coastal sustainability.

Background and Establishment

The catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004 devastated millions of lives across coastal Asia, exposing the vulnerability of coastal regions and the importance of natural ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal wetlands in mitigating such disasters.
In response, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched Mangroves for the Future in 2006, supported by several international donors, including Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
The initiative was designed as a multi-country collaborative effort to restore and manage coastal ecosystems for both ecological and human well-being.
Initially implemented in six countries—India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Thailand—MFF later expanded to include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Vietnam, bringing the total to eleven member countries across the Indian Ocean and South-East Asia.

Objectives of the Initiative

Mangroves for the Future aims to create a resilient and sustainable coastal environment by promoting ecosystem-based management and community-led conservation. Its key objectives include:

• Conservation and restoration of mangrove forests and other coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and wetlands.
• Enhancement of coastal livelihoods through sustainable practices like eco-tourism, sustainable fisheries, and community-based aquaculture.
• Promotion of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR).
• Capacity building of local communities, government agencies, and NGOs.
• Strengthening regional cooperation for knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and resource mobilisation.
• Mainstreaming ecosystem management into national coastal development and planning processes.

Key Ecosystems Covered

Although mangroves form the central focus, MFF adopts an integrated coastal ecosystem management approach that includes:

• Mangrove forests, which provide storm protection, carbon sequestration, and nursery grounds for fish.
• Coral reefs, which buffer wave energy and support marine biodiversity.
• Seagrass beds, essential for carbon storage and as habitats for marine species.
• Coastal wetlands, which regulate floods and filter pollutants.
• Beach and dune systems, which provide natural barriers against erosion.

This holistic perspective ensures the interconnected health of the entire coastal ecosystem rather than focusing on mangroves in isolation.

Governance and Institutional Framework

MFF functions as a regional partnership initiative co-chaired by IUCN and UNDP, with guidance from a Regional Steering Committee (RSC) that includes representatives from participating countries and partner organisations.
Each member country maintains a National Coordinating Body (NCB) that aligns local projects with national priorities and ensures multi-stakeholder participation. These NCBs include representatives from:

• Government ministries (e.g., environment, fisheries, forestry, coastal development).
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
• Academic and research institutions.
• Local community groups.
• Private sector partners.

The collaborative governance model encourages shared ownership and accountability in managing coastal resources.

Key Programmatic Areas

MFF activities are implemented through a combination of field projects, policy interventions, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
1. Small Grant and Large Grant ProgrammesMFF supports local initiatives through financial grants that encourage community participation in mangrove restoration, coastal livelihood enhancement, and climate resilience projects. These projects serve as practical demonstrations of ecosystem-based management in action.
2. Capacity Building and Knowledge SharingTraining workshops, regional dialogues, and research collaborations help strengthen institutional capacity. The MFF Knowledge Hub disseminates best practices, case studies, and technical guidelines on coastal resource management.
3. Policy and Governance IntegrationMFF assists governments in incorporating coastal ecosystem management into national policies and development planning. It advocates for ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) as a sustainable approach to climate change and disaster risk management.
4. Gender and Social InclusionRecognising the critical role of women and marginalised groups in coastal resource use, MFF promotes gender equity and inclusive participation in decision-making and livelihood projects.
5. Science-Based Management and MonitoringMFF promotes evidence-based interventions, using ecological and socio-economic indicators to assess project outcomes and guide adaptive management.

Achievements and Impact

Over the years, MFF has achieved significant milestones in promoting coastal resilience and sustainable development:

• Restoration of Mangrove Ecosystems: Thousands of hectares of degraded mangroves have been rehabilitated in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• Community Empowerment: Local communities have been trained in sustainable aquaculture, eco-tourism, and alternative livelihood practices, reducing dependence on destructive resource extraction.
• Policy Influence: MFF’s ecosystem-based management approach has influenced national coastal policies and integrated environmental considerations into development planning.
• Regional Collaboration: MFF has established a strong network for sharing expertise among countries facing similar coastal challenges.
• Disaster Risk Reduction: By restoring mangrove buffers and promoting ecosystem resilience, MFF has helped reduce vulnerability to cyclones, tsunamis, and coastal erosion.
• Climate Change Adaptation: Projects have demonstrated practical examples of using natural ecosystems for climate adaptation, contributing to national climate strategies.

Case Examples

1. India:
   • Mangrove restoration projects in Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and the Sundarbans have strengthened coastal resilience and supported local fisheries.
   • Community-based ecotourism initiatives have generated sustainable income for coastal populations.
2. Sri Lanka:
   • Post-tsunami rehabilitation programmes have integrated mangrove restoration with women’s livelihood development, particularly through handicrafts and sustainable aquaculture.
3. Thailand:
   • Coastal communities have implemented sustainable shrimp farming and seagrass protection under MFF-supported projects.
4. Maldives and Seychelles:
   • Small island states have benefited from coral reef restoration and coastal zone management strategies supported by MFF.

Partnerships and Collaborations

MFF collaborates with a diverse set of partners, including:

• International organisations: FAO, UNEP, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.
• Research institutions: Universities and environmental research centres contributing scientific expertise.
• Local NGOs and community organisations: Implementing field-level conservation activities.
• Private sector entities: Promoting corporate responsibility in coastal management.

This multi-sectoral collaboration enhances the reach and sustainability of MFF initiatives.

Funding and Support

Funding for MFF has been primarily provided by donor governments, notably Norway and Sweden, with additional contributions from DANIDA (Denmark) and other development partners. The programme operates under the financial management of IUCN and UNDP, ensuring transparency and accountability in fund utilisation.

Contribution to Global Environmental Goals

Mangroves for the Future contributes directly to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 14: Life Below Water
• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 1 & 8: Poverty Alleviation and Decent Work
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Through ecosystem-based management and community participation, MFF promotes nature-based solutions that align with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).

Future Directions

As coastal regions face growing threats from climate change, sea-level rise, and habitat degradation, MFF continues to evolve. Its future priorities include:

• Expanding ecosystem restoration to climate-vulnerable regions.
• Enhancing blue carbon initiatives, recognising the role of mangroves in carbon sequestration.
• Strengthening public–private partnerships for sustainable coastal development.
• Scaling up nature-based solutions for disaster resilience and adaptation.