Published on 23 Feb 2025
India is home to about 3 percent of the total mangrove cover in South Asia, with the Sundarbans in West Bengal and Bhitarkanika mangroves in Odisha being the richest in diversity.
Significance of Mangrove ecosystem
Disaster Shields: Mangroves are nature's coastal guardians. Their dense roots:
Reduce wave impact, protecting shorelines from erosion.
Stabilize sediments, mitigating coastal flooding.
A recent study estimates India's mangroves provide annual flood protection worth over $7.8 billion. During Cyclone Amphan (2020), Sundarbans mangroves acted as a bio-shield, protecting millions. They are vital for "building back better" after natural disasters.
Ecosystem Powerhouses: Mangroves are teeming with life:
Critical habitats for diverse plants, animals, and fish, including commercially important species.
The Sundarbans, home to the endangered Bengal tiger and Ganges dolphin, showcase this rich biodiversity.
Natural Filters: Mangroves act as nature's water purifiers by:
Trapping sediments, pollutants, and excess nutrients.
Improving water quality for coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
Climate Champions: Mangroves are an aid in carbon sequestration as:
They absorb vast amounts of CO2, storing it as "blue carbon" in their biomass and sediments.
Globally, they sequester half the annual Carbon dioxide emissions (estimated) from human activities.
Livelihood Lifelines: Mangroves support coastal communities:
Provide income and food for fisherfolk, with 900,000 Indian households relying on them.
Nurture estuaries and support nature-based economies.
Roughly 60% of India's coastal fish depend on these ecosystems.
Tourism and Recreation: Mangroves offer sustainable tourism opportunities as Eco-tourism, birding, kayaking, and other activities can generate income for local communities.
Threats faced by Mangrove Ecosystem
Rapid Loss: Mangroves are disappearing globally at an alarming rate, with losses exceeding 1-2% per year and a staggering 35% in the last two decades.
Declining Diversity: Over 16% of global mangrove species are threatened with extinction, including two Indian species – Sonneratia griffithii (critically endangered) and Heritiera fomes (endangered). This threat extends to associated fauna, with nearly 15% of all mangrove-dependent creatures facing a similar fate.
Rising Sea Levels: Rising sea levels, exceeding 3mm annually, pose a major threat through erosion, habitat loss, and increased salinity in inland areas.
Oil Spills: Oil spills suffocate mangroves, disrupting oxygen intake and leading to widespread death.
Plastic Pollution: Mangroves are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution carried by rivers, with Southeast Asia being the most affected region globally.
Lack of Protection: Mangroves outside protected areas are vulnerable due to the absence of legal safeguards.
Reduced Freshwater Flow: Dams and reduced river flows threaten mangroves, especially in low-rainfall areas like the Cauvery estuary.
Urbanization: Infrastructure development and housing projects destroy mangroves through clearing and drainage for urban expansion.
Other Threats: Industrial waste, fertilizer runoff, and deforestation contribute significantly to mangrove loss.
Initiatives to conserve Mangrove ecosystem
Government Initiatives:
MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes): This program aims to conserve and manage over 540 sq km of mangroves across 13 states.
National Coastal Mission Programme: This scheme focuses on developing annual action plans for mangrove and coral reef conservation in coastal states and territories.
Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME): This initiative promotes sustainable aquaculture practices that coexist with mangrove conservation and restoration.
State-Level Action:
Maharashtra: A dedicated unit for mangrove and coastal biodiversity conservation combines scientific knowledge with capacity building for local communities.
West Bengal: The Mangrove Cell fosters collaboration between government, NGOs, and academics to address conservation challenges.
Global Collaboration for a Brighter Future:
Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC): This international initiative, with India as a member, aims to educate the world about the role mangroves play in combating climate change.
Save Our Mangroves Now: This joint effort works to halt the global decline of mangroves.
Way Forward
Local Community Engagement: Successful conservation hinges on involving local communities. Examples from Gujarat and Odisha showcase the power of collaboration through incentives and stewardship programs.
Policy and Planning: A comprehensive national plan is crucial, considering local needs and incorporating standardized metrics to track progress and adapt strategies.
Combating Threats: Measures to curb pollution, prevent illegal logging, and promote mangrove planting are essential.
Monitoring and Sustainable Practices: Continuous monitoring using data and promoting sustainable practices among those who depend on mangroves are key.
Raising Awareness: Understanding the impact of mangrove degradation on local biodiversity is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
Geography
MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM
Significance of Mangrove ecosystem
Threats faced by Mangrove Ecosystem
Initiatives to conserve Mangrove ecosystem
General Studies Paper 1
Physical Geography