How we’re restoring and reforesting mangroves in Myanmar

Just the gist

Short on time? Here’s what you need to know for this update:

• 💌 Greetings from our new nature-based initiative in Southeast Asia — Meet the team behind our Mangrove planting in Myanmar project, which restores and reforests a mangrove ecosystem in the Ayeyarwady Delta.
• 🌱 Preserving mangroves for generations — Our project partner established the first mangrove gene bank in Myanmar and is now developing nurseries for a higher survival rate.
• 💯 Celebrating our top-10 carbon credit project — This initiative has also caught the attention of ratings agency BeZero, and is one of only seven projects that they’ve rated AA out of hundreds worldwide.

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Greetings from our new mangrove planting project

Worldview International Foundation, the team behind our Mangrove planting in Myanmar project, restores and reforests a mangrove ecosystem in the Ayeyarwady region.

Here is Dr. Arne Fjørtoft’s letter to Wren:

Dear Wren Members,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to each of you as we embark on a new journey together in supporting transformative initiatives that drive sustainability and community empowerment. Your decision to join us in championing meaningful change is truly commendable, and we are immensely grateful for your commitment.

For years, the mangrove forests along the coastline of Myanmar have served as vital ecosystems, providing essential habitat for diverse marine life, protecting coastal communities from natural disasters, and acting as powerful carbon sinks. However, these invaluable ecosystems face threats from deforestation, coastal development, and climate change.

Worldview International Foundation seeks to address these challenges by implementing mangrove restoration projects with local communities, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development. By harnessing the regenerative power of mangroves, we not only mitigate carbon emissions but also empower local communities through job creation, sustainable livelihoods, and enhanced resilience to climate impacts.

Through strategic partnerships with local communities, governmental agencies, and international organisations, we are working tirelessly to restore degraded mangrove habitats, implement community-based sustainable development programs, and protect local biodiversity in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Your support as Wren members is instrumental in supporting the work we undertake to provide infrastructure, income generating activity training, financial support and education to partner communities in our project areas. Together, we have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the fight against climate change, while simultaneously fostering sustainable development and social equity in Myanmar and beyond.

As we embark on this new chapter, I am filled with optimism and gratitude for the collective impact we can achieve. I look forward to updating you on the progress of our endeavors and celebrating the milestones we reach together.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support and dedication to creating a better future for all.

Dr. Arne Fjørtoft Secretary General and CEO of Worldview International Foundation

Preserving mangroves for generations

Our Mangrove planting in Myanmar project works to sustainably manage and protect local mangroves from deforestation along Myanmar's coastline. Mangrove ecosystems are crucial for carbon storage, disaster protection, and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The work of Worldview and other partners is well underway.

In 2015, Worldview established the first mangrove gene bank in Myanmar, which keeps genetic variety alive by gathering and keeping seeds, cuttings, spores, or tissue samples from the local forests. It acts as a sanctuary for mangrove species, preserving their genetic diversity while also providing a research hub for scientists and scholars.

Now, the project is developing mangrove nurseries to ensure a higher survival rate—often over 90%—when the plants are reintegrated into their natural habitats! These nurseries will foster young mangroves and provide employment opportunities, combining conservation efforts with a thriving local economy.

Celebrating our top-10 carbon credit project

We’re not the only ones excited about these efforts and the focus on biodiversity restoration. BeZero, a well-known and respected rating service in the voluntary carbon market, gave the project a prestigious AA rating.

Only 7 out of 430 projects have achieved such recognition, indicating a very high likelihood that one carbon credit removes one tonne of CO₂e .

The project scores highly on additionality—one of Wren’s core project evaluation metrics—meaning it achieves carbon removals that would not have happened without its intervention. It also has a low leakage risk, which refers to the unintended consequences where conservation and restoration in one area might lead to environmental harm elsewhere.

As Mangrove planting in Myanmar grows and evolves, it serves as a model example of sustainable development. Wren is proud to partner with projects that both conserve biodiversity and uplift communities.

That's all for this update! As always, thank you for your support.
— the Wren team 🧡