Protecting Gujarat’s Coast Through Nature-Based Solutions
Since 2000, SAVE Pvt. Ltd., along with VIKAS Centre for Development (CFD) (an associate NGO), has been restoring mangroves along Gujarat’s coastline, primarily in Bharuch district. Over the past 25 years, nearly 3,000 hectares of degraded coastal land have been restored through plantation and protection efforts.
Supported by CER/CSR partners, Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) and the Department of Climate Change, Government of Gujarat, this initiative has strengthened coastal ecosystems, improved biodiversity, generated large-scale rural employment, and enhanced climate resilience.
Bio-Shield Model
To address rising coastal erosion and climate risks along Gujarat’s 1,600 km coastline, SAVE designed and developed the Bio-Shield — a multi-layered green belt of mangroves and associated species that acts as a natural barrier.
The Bio-Shield:
- Reduces wave impact and soil erosion leading to soil stabilisation
- Prevents salinity ingress and saline winds
- Protects coastal villages against calamities
- Gives fillip to fisheries, animal husbandry and agriculture
- Creates employment for local communities
From Pilot to Scale
The first one km Bio-Shield pilot was implemented in 2016 at Tankari (Jambusar) with strong survival rates and community participation. Based on its success, the model was expanded between 2019–2024 with support from Government and different CSR partners.
Overall Impact
- 3,000 hectares restored
- 75 lakh plants planted
- 4 lakh person-days of employment generated
Through mangrove restoration and Bio-Shield development, SAVE is building a long-term coastal protection, environmental sustainability, and livelihood security for vulnerable communities. Following the encouraging results, SAVE carried out a technical and social – Baseline survey of entire coastline of Gujarat covering 250 villages and identified 56 plots, in 42 villages having an area of about 18,000 ha suitable for plantation of mangroves and associates.