Why in News: India observed World Mangrove Day on July 26, highlighting the ecological importance of mangroves.
Definition:
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs found in tropical and subtropical coastal intertidal zones. They thrive in saline, waterlogged soils and act as a buffer between land and sea, supporting biodiversity and protecting coastlines.
Key Characteristics of Mangroves
- Salt tolerance – Excrete or filter salt through roots/leaves
- Aerial roots – Help in respiration in waterlogged soil
- Prop roots – Provide stability during tides and storms
- Vivipary – Seeds germinate on parent tree for survival
Distribution in India
- Total Mangrove Cover (ISFR 2023): 4,975 km²
- Top 3 States: West Bengal (Sundarbans), Gujarat, and Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Net Increase in Cover: 16.68 km² over previous assessment
- Global context: India holds ~3% of the world’s mangrove cover
Importance of Mangroves
- Coastal Protection: Act as natural barriers against cyclones and tsunamis (e.g., Odisha during Cyclone Amphan).
- Carbon Sequestration: Store up to 4 times more carbon than land forests.
- Biodiversity: Provide habitat and breeding grounds for fish, birds, and crustaceans.
- Livelihood: Support fishing, honey, timber, and fuelwood for coastal communities.
- Tourism: Promote ecotourism and local income.
- Fisheries: Sustain marine fish populations (e.g., Gulf of Kutch supports 40% of Gujarat’s catch).
- Water Quality: Filter pollutants, earning the name “Kidneys of the Planet.”
Turning Point: M.S. Swaminathan’s Role
- 1988: UNDP and UNESCO started a regional mangrove research project.
- 1989 (Tokyo Conference): Swaminathan highlighted mangroves’ key role in tackling climate change impacts.
- Advocated sustainable mangrove management based on ecology, economics, and equity.
- Proposed using mangrove genetics to develop saline-tolerant crops by transferring genes to rice and others.
Global Institutional Initiatives and M.S. Swaminathan’s Contributions to Mangrove Conservation
- M.S. Swaminathan founded the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in 1990 and was its President until 1993.
- Co-created the Charter for Mangroves, included in the World Charter for Nature (1992, UNCED).
ISME conducted global assessments of mangroves’ economic and environmental value, including in India.
- Organized workshops and published key resources like the Manual on Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration and World Mangrove Atlas.
Global Infrastructure for Mangrove Conservation
- GLOMIS (Global Mangrove Database): Developed by ISME with input from M.S. Swaminathan; stores global data on mangrove species, experts, and research.
- 1992 Mangrove Survey: Covered 23 sites in 9 countries across Asia and Oceania; identified key conservation needs.
- Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres: Initiated by M.S. Swaminathan & MSSRF; now managed as protected areas by respective governments.
India’s Mangrove Management: Historical Background
- Since 1783: Mangroves were extensively cleared for agriculture and settlements, especially in the Sundarbans.
- MSSRF Research (1990s): Highlighted that biophysical changes from deforestation—not community use—were the main cause of degradation.
Indian Efforts for Mangrove Conservation
- MISHTI (2023): Boosts mangrove cover along coastlines and saltpans.
- Magical Mangroves: Citizen campaign to raise awareness in coastal states.
- SAIME: Promotes sustainable aquaculture within mangrove areas; active in India and Bangladesh with GNF support.
- Mangrove & Coral Reef Programme: Supports conservation and sustainable use.
- National Mangrove Committee (1976): Advises government on mangrove policy and development.
Innovations in Restoration and Joint Management
- Fishbone Canal Method: A hydro-ecological technique developed for effective mangrove restoration.
- Joint Mangrove Management Programme: Evolved from the method and evaluated by the Ministry in 2000.
- Nationwide Impact: Recommended for replication, leading to greater government investment in mangrove restoration.
Way Forward
- Drone & AI Monitoring: Use drones with AI for timely, large-scale mangrove surveillance and to prevent illegal activities.
- Mangrove Adoption: Encourage public and corporate participation to maintain and protect mangrove patches.
- Research & Development: Invest in exploring mangroves for pollution cleanup and medicinal uses to boost sustainable development.
UPSC RELEVANCE
- GS Paper 3 (Environment and Ecology): Biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and disaster risk reduction.
- GS Paper 2 (Governance): Government schemes like MISHTI, SAIME, and Coastal Regulation Zone rules
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION
Q. Discuss the significance of mangrove ecosystems in India, highlighting the challenges in their conservation and the government initiatives to protect them.”