Gujarat's inland mangroves declared biodiversity heritage site

Why in news?

• The natural inland mangrove site of Guneri village in Kutch district of Gujarat has been declared the state's first biodiversity heritage site.
  • It is spread over an area of ​​32.78 hectares in Guneri village of Lakhtar tehsil.
• This declaration has been made by the state government after considering the recommendation of the Gujarat Biodiversity Board.
• This area will be managed by the local Biodiversity Management Committee.
• It will ensure the conservation and promotion of flora and fauna in the area.
  • This declaration has been made under the provisions of the Biodiversity Act 2002.

Mangroves:

• These are special types of trees and shrubs that are found in salt water, marshy land and marine coastal areas.
• The most suitable area for their growth is the meeting point of fresh and salt water.
  • Such as in river deltas, bays and lagoons.
• These grow mainly on tropical and subtropical coasts.
• Mangroves have roots that extend both above and below the water.
• This helps them take up oxygen and stabilize the soil.

Inland Mangroves:

• Mangroves are found in inland areas, not along the sea or river banks.
• Inland mangroves are rare and have been found only at eight places in the world.
• Guneri inland mangrove site is the last remnant of its kind in India.
  • Guneri mangrove site is located 45 km from the Arabian Sea and four km from Kori Creek.

Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS):

• These are notified for the conservation of unique, rare and ecologically important flora, fauna and ecosystems.
• These sites are protected under the Biodiversity Act, 2002 of India.
• ​​Its purpose is to conserve and enhance the biodiversity there.
• The state government can notify an area as a biodiversity heritage site after consultation with local bodies and biodiversity management committees.