ARTICLE IN FOCUS – MANGROVES IN INDIA – GUARDIANS OF THE COAST: AN ECOLOGICAL AND STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE
ARTICLE IN FOCUS – MANGROVES IN INDIA – GUARDIANS OF THE COAST: AN ECOLOGICAL AND STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE
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
-
Discuss the ecological and socio-economic significance of mangroves. Why are they often called ‘bio-shields’?
-
What are the major threats facing mangrove ecosystems in India? Suggest suitable policy interventions.
For classes, materials, test series and mentorship – contact us at +91 6366-294954
