Mangroves: Importance, Threats & Conservation Efforts

Why in news?

• Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Ltd. (AEMIL) Granted Permission to Cut 209 Mangroves.
• The Bombay High Court recently permitted Adani Electricity Mumbai Infra Ltd. (AEMIL) to cut 209 mangroves for constructing a high-voltage transmission line.

• This decision highlights the ongoing challenges faced by India's mangrove ecosystems due to urbanization and industrial projects.

What Are Mangroves?

• Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in coastal intertidal zones where freshwater meets seawater.
• These unique ecosystems play a crucial role in coastal protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.

Global & Indian Distribution of Mangroves

• Global Presence: Found between latitudes 30° N and 30° S, with the densest coverage within 5° of the equator.
• India: As per the Indian State Forest Report 2021, mangrove cover in India accounts for 0.15% of the total geographical area, with major mangrove forests in:
  • Sundarbans (West Bengal)
  • Odisha
  • Andhra Pradesh
  • Gujarat
  • Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Unique Biological Adaptations

• Mangroves have evolved specialized features to survive in harsh coastal environments:
• Aerial breathing roots (pneumatophores) for oxygen absorption.
• Salt-filtering mechanisms to remove excess salt.
• Waxy leaves to reduce water loss.

Key Benefits of Mangrove Forests

Coastal Protection: Mangrove forests act as natural breakwaters, reducing the impact of waves, storm surges, and coastal erosion.

Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves absorb and store carbon 3-4 times more efficiently than tropical forests, making them vital for climate change mitigation.

Biodiversity Hotspots: They provide nursery grounds for fish, support diverse marine life, and serve as a habitat for endangered species like the Royal Bengal Tiger and migratory birds.

Economic Benefits: Local communities depend on mangroves for sustainable fishing, timber, eco-tourism, and protection from natural disasters.

Major Threats to Mangrove Ecosystems

Urban Expansion & Industrial Projects

• Rapid coastal development for industries, housing, and tourism is leading to mangrove deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

Aquaculture & Shrimp Farming

• Conversion of mangrove forests into shrimp farms is a major cause of habitat destruction.

Climate Change & Rising Sea Levels

• Mangroves are highly vulnerable to sea-level rise, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events.

Overexploitation & Poor Management

• Unregulated harvesting of mangrove resources and poor watershed management further degrade these vital ecosystems.

Mangrove Conservation Initiatives

• Mangroves for the Future (MFF): Led by IUCN and UNDP, this initiative promotes mangrove rehabilitation through community participation and policy reforms.
• REDD+ Mechanism: The REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) framework provides funding for mangrove conservation worldwide.
• India’s MISHTI Program
  • MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) aims to restore 540 sq. km of mangroves across nine states and three union territories.

  • Launched on World Environment Day (June 5, 2023) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

• Legal Protections & Policies

  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification restricts commercial activities in mangrove areas.

  • Environmental Protection Acts safeguard mangrove ecosystems from illegal deforestation and encroachment.

• Community-Based Conservation Efforts: Local conservation programs involve communities in mangrove restoration, sustainable resource management, and alternative livelihood development.

Conclusion

• Mangroves are irreplaceable ecosystems that protect coastal communities, store carbon, and support biodiversity.
• However, increasing human activities and climate change threaten their survival. Strengthening legal protections, conservation programs, and community engagement is essential for safeguarding India’s mangrove forests.