An interested reader peruses a copy of Plantation Guide for the Mangroves of Myanmar.

AN environmental NGO, Mingalar Myanmar, has published a guide to the mangroves of Myanmar and will distribute it free to help promote reforestation in the delta and coastal regions.

Copies will go to 18 villages in the delta and coastal regions – three villages in Yangon Division, seven in Ayeyarwady Division, six in Rakhine State and two in Tanintharyi Division.

“Many local NGOs and INGOs are now actively engaged in the reforestation of mangroves at the village level,” said Dr Swe Thwin, the director of Mingalar Myanmar and former professor of marine science at Mawlamyine University.

“This booklet provides basic information on how to grow mangroves.”

In some places, aquaculture ponds, solar salt farms and paddy fields have replaced mangrove forests.

“We’ve printed 1000 copies of the booklet, which is called Plantation Guide for the Mangroves of Myanmar and will produce another 200 per month. If donors want to contribute, we will deliver the books to villages on their behalf. The cost of a copy is K3000,” Dr Phone Win, president of Mingalar Myanmar, told The Myanmar Times. Mingalar Myanmar funded the K1 million cost of producing the book from private donations.

The townships that will receive free distribution are Twante, Kawhmu and Kungyangon in Yangon Division; Dedaye, Pyapon, Bogale, Labutta, Mawlamyingyunn, Ngapubuta and Kyaiklat in Ayeyarwady Division; Sittwe, Yathetaung, Myepon, Pauktaw, Kyaukpyu and Thandwe in Rakhine State; and Myeik and Kawthaung in Tanintharyi Division.

Work began on the 36-page illustrated booklet 10 years ago, but publication was delayed because of financial and other problems.

It contains information on how to grow some 30 species of mangroves, their characteristics, flowering and fruiting periods, which region they can grow in, and which environment is most suitable.

The text explains how mangroves help protect against cyclone and tsunami damage, prevent soil erosion along riverbanks, and provide habitat for prawns and aquatic animals.

Dr Swe Thwin worked on the book with U San Thar Htun, an associate professor of marine science at Pathein University.