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Great Green Wall of Gujarat

Regenerating lives through Regenerating Mangroves

The Great Green Wall of Gujarat (GGWG) is an ambitious and transformative environmental restoration initiative by VIKAS. At its heart, the project focuses on regenerating mangroves and other coastal vegetation, while supporting communities affected by environmental challenges. By addressing issues like coastal erosion, salinity, and flooding, GGWG not only strengthens the environment but also helps people transform from being victims of climate change into its champions. Envisioning 20,000 hectares along Gujarat’s coastline, this initiative aims to protect against natural disasters, boost biodiversity, and create sustainable livelihoods for those who need it most.

Evolution of the GGWG

Evolution of GGWG

By the early 1990s, the organization noticed the depletion of mangroves in Jambusar Taluka and its detrimental effects on local livelihoods. This realization led to VIKAS advocating for mangrove regeneration, culminating in its participation in the Gujarat Ecology Commission’s REMAG program from 1999. Between 2008 and 2015, VIKAS expanded mangrove plantations across Gujarat's coastline.


Building on its extensive work in mangrove regeneration, VIKAS launched a pilot Bio-Shield project in December 2016 in Tankari village, Jambusar. Spanning 1 kilometer with a 200-meter width, the pilot featured multi-species, multi-layered plantations, with mangroves positioned toward the sea, followed by Salvadora and fodder cultivation near the village. The pilot also included infrastructure improvements like water tank deepening to support irrigation. By 2018, the project demonstrated promising results, establishing a model for future scaling.


Encouraged by the success of the Tankari pilot, VIKAS secured support from the Climate Change Department, Government of Gujarat, to expand the Bio-Shield project. Between 2019 and 2021, the initiative extended to cover an additional 15 kilometers of coastline, encompassing four villages: Tankari, Islampur, Kapuria, and Asarsa in Jambusar Taluka.The success of earlier efforts led to the conception of the Great Green Wall of Gujarat (GGWG) in 2021. Key milestones included conducting technical and social feasibility studies across 250 coastal villages, which identified 20,000 hectares for mangrove plantation in 42 villages of Gujarat. The mangrove plantation initiative was first launched in the neighboring district of Vagra. In 2023, focused advocacy of VIKAS led to a significant policy achievement when the Gujarat Authority for Advance Ruling (AAR) granted GST exemption to the mangrove afforestation project, recognizing it as a "charitable activity." This decision reinforced the public welfare focus of the initiative and has paved the way for further environmental conservation efforts.


2024 marks a pivotal year for GGWG, with the commencement of plantation activities across various districts of Gujarat. A pilot plantation in the identified areas has provided valuable insights, guiding future plantation plans.


These efforts have collectively resulted in the successful planting of 3,000 hectares across 16 villages in Gujarat, further advancing the vision of a green, climate-resilient coastline.


The Phases of GGWG

Phases of GGWG

The Pre-Plantation Phase focuses on community engagement and awareness building. It involves conducting sessions to raise awareness about climate change and its impacts while highlighting the ecological and economic benefits of mangrove restoration. Efforts are made to create village-level Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that encourage community-led decision-making aligned with local needs. Committees are established with diverse representation, including women, youth, and Panchayati Raj members, to promote leadership roles within the community. Accountability and long-term commitment to the project are emphasized. Additionally, communities are trained in seed collection, nursery setup, and sustainable mangrove plantation techniques. Micro-plans for plantation are created, along with capacity building to advocate for community rights and resource access.


The Plantation Phase focuses on the physical restoration of mangroves and other vegetation. This phase involves selecting appropriate plantation sites based on ecological assessments and local needs. Community members actively participate in the planting process, ensuring the use of sustainable techniques. The restoration efforts prioritize biodiversity and resilience against environmental degradation, creating a bio-shield to mitigate the effects of climate change. Continuous monitoring and support during the plantation phase ensure that the saplings grow under optimal conditions.


The Post-Plantation Phase emphasizes maintenance, monitoring, and sustainability. Communities are empowered to take ownership of the restored mangroves through regular monitoring and maintenance activities. The committees formed earlier play a vital role in overseeing the project’s progress and addressing any challenges. Training programs and capacity-building initiatives continue to ensure the long-term sustainability of the bio-shield. The phase also involves creating opportunities for eco-tourism and sustainable livelihoods, reinforcing the community’s commitment to the project while improving their socio-economic well-being.


At its core, GGWG transforms communities. People once vulnerable to climate-induced disasters now play pivotal roles as stewards of the environment. By providing training, formalized jobs, and sustainable livelihood opportunities, GGWG uplifts marginalized populations, particularly women and youth, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.

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Partners

The successful development of the Great Green Wall of Gujarat (GGWG) has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of various partners, including the Gujarat Government's Climate Change Department, local communities, environmental organizations, and technical experts. These partnerships have played a crucial role in conducting feasibility studies, securing resources, and driving the large-scale mangrove plantation initiative. Their collective support has been instrumental in ensuring the sustainability and impact of GGWG.

Impact of the Initiative

The Great Green Wall of Gujarat (GGWG) has had a profound impact on both the environment and the lives of local communities, leading to significant social, economic, and ecological transformations.


One of the most notable stories comes from the coastal village of Tankari, where the community was once grappling with the effects of soil erosion and salinity. With limited agricultural returns and the threat of livelihood loss, many families were trapped in a cycle of debt. However, after the GGWG initiative introduced mangrove plantations, Tankari saw a dramatic improvement. The new green cover not only reduced soil erosion but also enhanced local fisheries, providing families with more stable incomes. The resilience of community grew, and many residents now actively participate in the plantation and maintenance efforts, becoming true climate warriors.


In Islampur village, women were once excluded from economic activities, have become central to the process. They now lead community engagement efforts, manage small-scale nurseries of mangroves, and help facilitate the distribution of financial services to the most vulnerable. Their empowerment has contributed to greater social cohesion and a reduction in gender inequalities.


With over 4 lakh person-days of employment generated, GGWG has provided stable income to more than 1,500 families. The plantation efforts have also led to a significant increase in agricultural yields, particularly in areas near the mangrove sites. Crop productivity has improved due to better water retention in the soil, which in turn has resulted in higher income from farming. Additionally, more than 4 lakh person-days of employment has been generated, helping communities break free from cycles of poverty.


The 3,000 hectares of mangrove plantations already established, the initiative has started to shield vulnerable coastal areas from rising sea levels, extreme weather, and storms. These efforts are expected to protect over 130,000 people from climate-related disasters. Furthermore, the mangrove restoration has increased biodiversity, improved the health of the ecosystem, and reduced the carbon footprint of the region, sequestering 1,60,000 tonnes of COâ‚‚ annually.


Through these efforts, GGWG has created a lasting ripple effect in coastal Gujarat. It has empowered marginalized communities, particularly those who had been most vulnerable to climate change, and turned them into active participants in restoring their environment. The project has not only helped in achieving environmental resilience but also in addressing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as climate action, decent work, and reduced inequalities, making it a holistic approach to sustainable development.

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