Introduction

• Mangroves are salt-tolerant, intertidal forest ecosystems that thrive in tropical and subtropical coastal zones.

• Celebrated globally on July 26 (UNESCO’s International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem).

• India’s mangrove cover: 4,992 sq km (ISFR 2023) – only 0.15% of India’s geographical area.

Ecological Significance

• Bio-shields: Mangroves absorb storm surges, reduce wind force, and protect against coastal erosion.

• Carbon sinks: Store up to 3,754 tons/hectare, more stable than terrestrial forests due to deep-soil carbon retention.

• Biodiversity hotspots: Provide habitat for fish, crabs, shrimps, birds, and species like Royal Bengal Tiger, Olive Ridley Turtles, and Saltwater Crocodiles.

• Support nutrient cycling, water purification, and serve as fish nurseries critical to marine ecology.

Socio-Economic Importance

• Sustain coastal livelihoods: Fishing, honey collection, boat tourism, aquaculture.

• Strengthen Blue Economy through fish and shrimp farming.

• Enable eco-tourism and community-based conservation.

Distribution in India

• Found in West Bengal, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar.

• Sundarbans: Largest mangrove forest globally (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Bhitarkanika: Second largest in India; key for turtle nesting and crocodile habitats.

Key Threats

• Climate Change: Sea-level rise, erratic salinity, temperature rise reduce mangrove resilience.

• Deforestation: Urbanisation, shrimp farming, tourism and port activities.

• Pollution: Industrial discharge and plastic waste affect mangrove health.

• Encroachment: Expanding settlements block landward migration of mangroves during sea rise.

• UNESCO: Mangroves are disappearing 3–5 times faster than global forest cover.

Government Initiatives

• MISHTI Scheme (2023): Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes promotes conservation and livelihood integration.

• Amrit Dharohar: Encourages eco-tourism and wetland preservation.

• SAIME (West Bengal) and Green Tamil Nadu Mission: State-specific restoration efforts.

• Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC): Global platform initiated at COP27 for joint restoration efforts.

• Mangroves for the Future (MFF): UNDP–IUCN initiative to rebuild ecosystems post-tsunami, covering 11 countries including India.

Challenges in Conservation

• Fragmented policies, lack of coordination among agencies.

• Overburdened local institutions and limited funding.

• Absence of region-specific conservation models.

• Poor community engagement in restoration efforts.

Way Forward

• Strengthen legal protection through CRZ norms and national biodiversity frameworks.

• Promote community-based eco-tourism and livelihood-linked conservation.

• Foster scientific research to understand species resilience to salinity and climate change.

• Develop a national mangrove database and integrate GIS for monitoring.

• Adopt a global action strategy aligned with SDGs for cross-border cooperation and best practices.

Conclusion

Mangroves are nature’s coastal armor, biodiversity havens, and carbon warriors. Their conservation is central to achieving climate resilience, coastal livelihood security, and ecological sustainability. A holistic, inclusive, and science-driven strategy is imperative to preserve these critical ecosystems.

Mains Questions  

1. Discuss the ecological and socio-economic significance of mangroves. Why are they often called ‘bio-shields’?

2. What are the major threats facing mangrove ecosystems in India? Suggest suitable policy interventions.

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