192,800 mangroves for Myanmar’s climate and coastlines

Mangroves grow in coastal regions and draw greenhouse gases out of both the sea and the air. │ Photo: Worldview International Foundation

The International Mangrove Foundation: Valuable Coastal Ecosystems

Mangrove forests fulfil important ecological functions. They grow where land meets the sea and are adapted to the specific conditions of tropical coasts. They store carbon in their plants and soils, provide a habitat for numerous species, and protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges. In order to promote the restoration of these valuable ecosystems, Funk supported a reforestation project in Myanmar in 2019 and 2020. As part of the project, a total of 192,800 mangrove seedlings were planted.

Rebuilding mangrove forests can also prevent natural disasters. │ Photo: Worldview International Foundation

New Mangroves for Lost Forest Areas

The 'Mangrove Reforestation and Sustainable Livelihoods' project is dedicated to reforesting mangrove forests in Myanmar (formerly Burma). A sustainably managed mangrove ecosystem has been established in the northern Ayeyarwady region. This contributes significantly to climate protection and reduces the risk of disasters, as mangrove forests act as a natural barrier against storm surges. Mangrove planting is also urgently needed because their populations are declining sharply worldwide. For example, mangrove forests are cleared to make way for prawn farming, rice fields or palm oil plantations. The trees are also used as fuel or building materials. Reforestation projects aim to counteract this economic depletion.

These seedlings will grow into an entire forest. │ Photo: Worldview International Foundation

52 hectares of lush greenery 

To mark Funk’s 140th anniversary in 2019, 140,000 mangrove trees were planted in the ground – or rather, in the marshy soil. A further 52,800 trees were added in 2020. This resulted in a forest covering a total area of 52 hectares – roughly equivalent to 52 football pitches. The local community was involved in the planting programme. This created jobs and helped secure the long-term livelihoods of local people. The project also strengthened further education and infrastructure in the region.

Thomas Abel, managing partner at Funk, next to the symbolic tree on the rooftop terrace.

Mangroves for Myanmar and a pine tree for Hamburg

To raise awareness of climate protection, Funk also planted a Scots pine on the roof terrace of its headquarters in Hamburg to celebrate its anniversary on 21 May 2019. A sign informs staff and visitors about the mangrove project in Myanmar. 'We would have loved to plant a mangrove, but it wouldn't have thrived here,' says Thomas Abel. “The pine tree is now purifying the air in our city of Hamburg. Above all, however, it is a symbol of just how important climate protection is for us all.”

The efforts have paid off: This is what a part of the first Funk forest looked like after a year. │ Photo: Worldview International Foundation

A success for nature

The mangroves planted in 2019 and 2020 are growing steadily, improving the surrounding ecosystem as they do so. The saplings are taking root well, thereby stabilising the soil. At the same time, their growth is helping to reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The mangroves are also attracting wildlife: fish and other creatures are using the new trees as safe havens and for spawning. Funk’s planting scheme is a success not only for the environment, but also for science. As part of the project, the first mangrove gene database in Myanmar was established. Currently containing 64 species, it makes an important contribution to biodiversity conservation. The new Forest is home to species such as Rhizophora mucronata and Bruguiera cylindrica.

The mangroves have grown up in a greenhouse near the planting area in Myanmar. | Photo: Worldview International Foundation

140,000 trees have been waiting here to become part of a sustainably managed ecosystem. | Photo: Worldview International Foundation

The local community was involved in the planting in the northern part of the Ayeyarwady region. | Photo: Worldview International Foundation

On the banks of the river Poe Laung, the new mangrove forest also forms a natural barrier against storm waves. | Photo: Worldview International Foundation

In the swamp soil, the seedlings now develop into large mangrove trees that purify the air and filter the sea. | Photo: Worldview International Foundation

Thanks to the care of the local population, the seedlings have already grown strongly after one year. | Photo: Worldview International Foundation

From a bird's eye view, it is easy to see where the new Funk mangroves complement the existing forest. | Photo: Worldview International Foundation