Mangroves Conservation

Why in the News?

• The IUCN Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems has recently indicated that around 50% of mangrove ecosystems evaluated worldwide are now classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. 
• This alarming assessment has brought the conservation of mangroves into focus at both national and international levels.

Key Highlights of the IUCN Report

• The report assessed 36 mangrove regions spread across 44 countries.
• It is one of the headline indicators under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted during the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Mangrove ecosystems in South India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and the Northwest Atlantic have been identified as critically endangered.
• This indicates a rapid decline in ecosystem health due to increasing anthropogenic pressures and climate change.

Status of Mangroves in India

Regional Classification:

• South India: Critically Endangered.
• West India: Vulnerable.
• Andaman Islands & Bay of Bengal Region: Least Concern.

Additional Reports:

• According to the State of the World’s Mangroves 2024 (by the Global Mangrove Alliance), mangroves in Lakshadweep and along the coast of Tamil Nadu are also critically endangered.
• The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, published by the Forest Survey of India (FSI), states that India’s total mangrove cover has increased by 17 sq. km, marking a 0.34% growth over the previous assessment.

Major Mangrove Locations in India:

• Sundarbans (West Bengal) – Largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world.
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Mahanadi, Godavari, Krishna, and Cauvery river deltas
• Coastal regions of Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Goa.

What Are Mangroves?

• Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones of tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate coastlines.
• Globally, they cover around 15% of the world’s coastlines.

Ecological and Economic Benefits

Carbon Sequestration:

• Mangroves sequester approximately 11 billion tonnes of carbon, which is three times more than what tropical forests of the same size can store.
• This makes them crucial in combating climate change.

Biodiversity Hotspots:

• Home to a variety of species, including fish, mollusks, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and even some mammals.
• Provide critical nursery grounds for commercial fish species.

Coastal Protection:

• Act as natural buffers, reducing the impact of cyclones, storm surges, and erosion.
• Protect vulnerable coastal communities and infrastructure.

Livelihood Support:

• Support fisheries, honey production, timber, and eco-tourism.
• Sustain millions of livelihoods globally, especially in coastal and indigenous communities.

Water Filtration:

• Trap sediments, improve water quality, and reduce pollution flowing into marine ecosystems.

Threats to Mangroves

• Urbanization and Coastal Development: Encroachment for infrastructure, ports, tourism.
• Aquaculture and Agriculture: Large-scale shrimp farming has led to destruction of mangroves in many countries.
• Pollution: Industrial runoff and oil spills degrade mangrove health.
• Climate Change: Rising sea levels, temperature shifts, and extreme weather events.
• Unsustainable Exploitation: Overharvesting of mangrove wood and other resources.

India’s Initiatives for Mangrove Conservation

MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes):

• Launched under the Union Budget 2023–24 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Aims to restore and expand mangrove ecosystems, promote livelihoods, and strengthen climate resilience.
• Focuses on a landscape-based approach for shoreline protection and biodiversity enhancement.

SAIME (Sustainable Aquaculture In Mangrove Ecosystems):

• Promotes Integrated Mangrove Aquaculture (IMA) where mangroves and aquaculture systems coexist.
• Enhances income opportunities while ensuring ecosystem preservation.

Magical Mangroves Campaign (WWF-India):

• Engages citizens in nine coastal states to increase awareness and participation in mangrove conservation.
• Focuses on community-led conservation through education and outreach.

National Coastal Mission:

• A central government program focusing on conservation and sustainable management of mangroves and coral reefs.
• Supports state governments through financial and technical assistance.

Global Mangrove Conservation Initiatives

Mangrove Breakthrough (COP27):

• Launched at UNFCCC COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.
• Jointly initiated by the UN High-Level Climate Champions and the Global Mangrove Alliance.

Targets and Goals:

• Aim to secure the future of over 15 million hectares of mangroves globally by 2030.
• Supported by $4 billion in sustainable finance from international partners.
• Seeks to achieve protection, restoration, and sustainable financing for mangrove ecosystems.