Exploring fairer ways to restore coastal ecosystems with REVIVE

Exploring fairer ways to restore coastal ecosystems with REVIVE

The REVIVE mangrove restoration project, an interdisciplinary consortium of researchers including Dr Subhasish Dey, has received a three-year grant from the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC), part of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Focusing on Malaysia, the project will explore new approaches to mangrove restoration so that environmental benefits do not come at the expense of local coastal communities.

It is widely recognised that restoring mangroves can form buffers against storms, store carbon, and sustain fisheries. But too often, restoration projects can leave communities in low-skilled roles and perpetuate social inequalities.

REVIVE - Just Restoration and Equitable Value Chains for Inclusive, Viable Mangrove Ecosystems – will develop and test new governance models which include community participation with the aim of supporting just mangrove restoration, equitable value chains and more inclusive and viable coastal ecosystems.

The project will work in Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR), Sungai Acheh & Sungai Chenaam (SASCM), and Setiu Wetlands (SWMT).

The REVIVE team includes the University of Manchester, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Cardiff University, the National University of Singapore, and the Penang Inshore Fishermen Welfare Association.

Dr Dey will lead the RCT element of the project. The study will use a balanced 2×2 factorial cluster-RCT across three mangrove landscapes in Peninsular Malaysia, with support from community associations, state forestry and park authorities, and university partners.

He said:

“I am excited to have the opportunity to run this large RCT in partnership with the coastal communities in Malaysia and with multidisciplinary researchers.

“This RCT will test whether adding low-cost behavioural and institutional ‘nudges,’ such as co-produced information, simple digital or paper reporting tools, recognition of stewardship, sustainable-harvest guidance and market support, on top of ongoing restoration and livelihood activity increases community participation in safeguarding mangroves and the adoption of more sustainable, higher-value livelihood practices.”

• For more information about the project and its goals, please visit the project’s LinkedIn page or the UK Government announcement here: UK partners with Malaysia on mangrove restoration research - GOV.UK
• The RCT has been pre-registered with the American Economic Association. The AEA RCT Registry entry can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.1257/rct.19186-1.0