Workers in northeast India began restoration on a boat that will be used by conservationists to spread the word in the Sundarbans about the importance of protecting mangrove forests in this massive delta.

Why a boat? It’s just the easiest way to get around: the Sundarbans is comprised of countless islands, and the force of the rivers and tides continuously shift the soils (which means maps are never completely accurate). So not only are communities in the Sundarbans in remote locations, there’s little transportation infrastructure to help people get around.

In exchange for the boat, the Association for Conservation & Tourism will organize mangrove planting totaling 50 acres (123 acres) and carry out environmental education and awareness programs around the Sundarbans. Renown for its biodiversity, the Sundarbans is a national park, tiger reserve, UNESCO Biosphere reserve, and World Heritage Site.

Learn more on the Sundarbans project page.