Mangrove Forest Cover Increase

Syllabus :GS 3/Environment 

In News

Tamil Nadu’s mangrove forest cover has nearly doubled from 4,500 ha in 2021 to 9,039 ha in 2024, due to new plantations and preservation of existing mangroves.

Mangroves

  • Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions, providing refuge for coastal biodiversity and acting as bio-shields against extreme climatic events.
  • They are adapted to thrive in coastal regions with brackish water and wet, loose soil.
  • They have tangled prop roots that help them survive tides and capture sediments while slowing water flow.

Importance 

  • Climate Change Mitigation: Mangroves stabilize coastlines, reduce erosion, encourage biodiversity, and protect coastal communities from sea-level rise and natural disasters.
  • Carbon Sinks: Mangroves store carbon at up to four times the rate of terrestrial forests, making them vital for achieving net zero emissions .
  • Ecosystem and Habitat Support: Mangroves support interconnected terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats, including species like Royal Bengal Tigers and river dolphins.
    • They capture sediments, create fertile lands, and help marine life thrive by making water clearer.
  • Disaster Risk Reduction: Mangroves act as the first line of defense against tropical storms, cyclones, and hurricanes, slowing down winds and minimizing land impact.
  • Socio-economic Importance: Mangroves provide critical jobs and protein for millions of small-scale fishers worldwide
    • They are also important for sustainable timber and fuelwood collection.
Do you know ?
– The Bay of Bengal coastline is home to India’s largest mangrove forest with 60 per cent of its mangrove cover concentrated there because of the Sundarbans. 
– The Arabian Sea coast accounts for 27 per cent of mangrove area while the Andaman and Nicobar Islands account for 13 per cent. 
– The Sundarbans in West Bengal is the largest mangrove region in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It spans from the Hooghly River in West Bengal to the Baleswar River in Bangladesh.
1. India’s Sunderbans mangroves are a biodiversity hotspot, home to endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger, fishing cats, and macaques.

Threats 

  • The mangrove ecosystem faces pressures from population growth, land demand, and the need for resources like timber, fodder, fuel-wood, and fisheries.
  • Aquaculture and fisheries obstructing tidal flow are significant threats to mangrove ecosystems.
  • Agricultural and industrial activities in Coastal Regulation Zone areas have led to mangrove destruction.

Steps 

  • MISHTI Initiative: The government’s MISHTI initiative, aiming for large-scale mangrove plantation,is  implemented through the MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources.
    • The MISHTI initiative aligns with India’s Nationally Determined Contributions to create an additional 2.5-3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent carbon sink by 2030.
  • Mangrove Alliance for Climate :  India joined the Mangrove Alliance for Climate at the 27th Conference of the Parties in Egypt to address climate change.

Suggestions and Way Forward 

  • Mangroves play a crucial role in global conservation efforts by storing significant amounts of carbon, helping mitigate climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Mangroves are key guardians of coasts and essential for the environment and communities, making their conservation a necessary priority.
  • There is a need to promote sustainable livelihoods such as eco-tourism and carbon credit programs, as well as district-specific planning for the preservation and expansion of mangrove ecosystems.