“The State of the World’s Mangroves 2024” Report for UPSC Preparation

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Introduction

“The State of the World’s Mangroves 2024” Report was released on World Mangrove Day, observed annually on 26th July, by the Global Mangrove Alliance. This comprehensive report provides insights into the status of mangrove ecosystems globally, emphasizing their ecological importance, the threats they face, and strategies for their conservation.

Key Highlights of the Report

  1. Global Distribution of Mangroves
  • Southeast Asia holds about one-third of the world’s mangrove forests.
    • Indonesia alone accounts for 21% of global mangroves, making it the country with the largest mangrove coverage.
  • West and Central Africa are significant regions with extensive mangrove ecosystems.
  1. Threat Status of Mangroves
  • According to the IUCN Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems:
    • 50% of the world’s mangrove provinces are considered threatened, ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.
  • In India:
    • Mangroves in the Lakshadweep Archipelago and along the coast of Tamil Nadu are categorized as Critically Endangered.
  1. Drivers of Mangrove Loss
  • Climate Change:
    • Sea-Level Rise: Rising sea levels submerge mangrove habitats.
    • Increased Storm Intensity: Stronger storms cause physical damage and erosion.
  • Human Activities:
    • Industrial Shrimp Aquaculture Expansion:
    • Notably in Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Gujarat.
    • Conversion to Agricultural Land:
    • Oil Palm Plantations and Rice Cultivation have led to a 43% loss of mangrove areas between 2000 and 2020.
    • Urbanization and Infrastructure Development:
    • Coastal development leads to habitat fragmentation and loss.

Understanding Mangroves

  • Definition: Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical coastlines.
  • Ecological Role:
  • Biodiversity Hotspots: Support diverse marine and terrestrial species.
  • Coastal Protection: Act as natural barriers against storms and tsunamis.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Store large amounts of carbon, mitigating climate change.
  • Water Filtration: Trap sediments and pollutants, improving water quality.

Significance of Mangroves

  1. Ecological Importance
  • Habitat Provision: Essential breeding grounds for fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
  • Nutrient Cycling: Play a crucial role in nutrient exchange between terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
  • Preventing Erosion: Roots stabilize shorelines, reducing erosion.
  1. Economic Importance
  • Livelihoods:
    • Fishing and Aquaculture: Many coastal communities rely on mangroves for fishing.
    • Tourism: Attract tourists for eco-tourism and recreational activities.
  • Resources:
    • Timber and Non-Timber Products: Source of fuelwood, honey, and medicinal plants.

Conservation Efforts

  1. International Initiatives
  • Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA):
    • A collaborative platform aiming to increase mangrove habitat by 20% by 2030.
    • Partners include WWF, IUCN, Conservation International, and others.
  • Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:
    • An international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands.
    • Encourages member countries to designate wetlands of international importance.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
    • Some mangrove areas are protected under UNESCO for their unique biodiversity.
  1. National Initiatives in India
  • National Mangrove Conservation Programme:
    • Implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
    • Focuses on conservation and management of mangroves through state forest departments.
  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification:
    • Regulates activities in the coastal areas to protect fragile ecosystems.
  • Mangrove Plantation Drives:
    • Afforestation and reforestation programs in coastal states.
  • Community-Based Management:
    • Involving local communities in conservation through awareness and livelihood support.

Challenges in Mangrove Conservation

  • Anthropogenic Pressures
  • Land Conversion: For agriculture, aquaculture, and urban development.
  • Pollution: Industrial effluents, plastic waste, and oil spills degrade mangrove ecosystems.
  • Overexploitation: Unregulated harvesting of resources leads to depletion.
  • Climate Change Impacts
  • Sea-Level Rise: Alters salinity levels and submerges habitats.
  • Temperature Changes: Affect species composition and growth rates.
  • Lack of Awareness and Education
  • Insufficient understanding of the importance of mangroves among local populations and policymakers.
  • Inadequate Policy Implementation
  • Weak enforcement of existing laws and regulations.
  • Conflicts between development and conservation priorities.

Way Forward

  1. Strengthening Policies and Legislation
  • Strict Enforcement: Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Policy Integration: Incorporate mangrove conservation into climate change mitigation strategies.
  1. Community Participation
  • Capacity Building: Train local communities in sustainable practices.
  • Alternative Livelihoods: Provide options to reduce dependency on mangrove resources.
  1. Research and Monitoring
  • Scientific Studies: On mangrove ecology, resilience, and restoration techniques.
  • Data Collection: Establish databases for informed decision-making.
  1. Education and Awareness
  • Curriculum Inclusion: Integrate mangrove conservation topics into education.
  • Public Campaigns: Use media and workshops to raise awareness.
  1. International Collaboration
  • Knowledge Exchange: Share best practices and technologies.
  • Funding and Support: Access international funds for conservation projects.

UPSC Examination Relevance

Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

  • Environment and Ecology:
  • Concepts: Ecosystems, biodiversity hotspots, conservation efforts.
  • Programs and Policies: National and international initiatives related to wetlands and mangroves.
  • Geography:
  • Physical Geography: Coastal ecosystems, intertidal zones.
  • Indian Geography: Distribution of mangroves in India.

Sample Prelims Questions:

  1. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding mangroves?
  2. Mangroves are adapted to saline conditions.
  3. They help in carbon sequestration.
  4. They are found only in tropical regions. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  • (a) 1 and 2 only
  • (b) 2 and 3 only
  • (c) 1 and 3 only
  • (d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
  1. Which of the following regions in India is known for having the largest mangrove forest?
  • (a) Godavari-Krishna Delta
  • (b) Sundarbans Delta
  • (c) Mahanadi Delta
  • (d) Pichavaram Mangroves Answer: (b) Sundarbans Delta

Main Examination (Mains)

  • General Studies Paper I:
  • Geography: Factors responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary sector industries; important geophysical phenomena.
  • General Studies Paper III:
  • Environment and Biodiversity: Conservation, environmental degradation, and environmental impact assessment.
  • Disaster Management: Role of mangroves in mitigating disasters.

Sample Mains Questions:

  1. “Mangroves play a critical role in combating climate change and supporting coastal communities.” Discuss the threats faced by mangrove ecosystems and suggest measures for their conservation.
  2. Examine the impact of human activities on mangrove degradation in India. How do mangroves contribute to disaster resilience along the coast?

Additional Information

  • World Mangrove Day (26th July)
  • Established by: UNESCO in 2015.
  • Objective: To raise awareness of the importance of mangrove ecosystems and promote sustainable management.
  • Global Mangrove Alliance
  • Goal: Increase global mangrove cover by 20% by 2030.
  • Members: Includes leading conservation organizations and governments.
  • India’s Mangrove Cover
  • Total Area: Approximately 4,992 sq km as per the latest reports.
  • Major Regions:
    • Sundarbans (West Bengal)
    • Gulf of Kachchh (Gujarat)
    • Pichavaram and Muthupet (Tamil Nadu)
    • Godavari-Krishna Delta (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Important Species:
  • Flora: Avicennia, Rhizophora, Sonneratia, and Bruguiera species.
  • Fauna: Royal Bengal Tiger (Sundarbans), saltwater crocodiles, various bird species.

Conclusion

Mangrove ecosystems are vital for maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and protecting coastal communities from natural disasters. The alarming decline highlighted in “The State of the World’s Mangroves 2024” report calls for immediate and sustained conservation efforts. For a country like India, with extensive coastlines and a large population depending on these ecosystems, it is imperative to balance development with environmental sustainability.

Emphasis for UPSC Aspirants:

  • Integrate Current Affairs: Relate the report’s findings to ongoing conservation efforts and policies in India.
  • Holistic Understanding: Grasp the socio-economic and ecological dimensions of mangrove conservation.
  • Analytical Approach: Be prepared to analyze challenges and suggest viable solutions in your answers.

Feel free to ask if you need further details or have specific questions on this topic. Good luck with your preparation!

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