Mangrove ecosystems are vital coastal habitats that play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and protecting human communities. These unique ecosystems, found in tropical and subtropical regions, are characterized by salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones where freshwater meets the sea.
India, with its extensive coastline of 7500 Km, is home to some of the most significant mangrove ecosystems in the world. These ecosystems, especially in regions like the Sundarbans, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Gulf of Kutch, play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, protecting shorelines, and sustaining local communities. Recognizing their importance, several initiatives such as the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) have been undertaken by the Government of India for their conservation and restoration.
Mangroves are highly efficient at sequestering carbon, storing up to four times more carbon per area than terrestrial forests. This makes them essential in the fight against climate change, as they help to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Mangroves support a rich variety of species, including fish, crustaceans, birds, and even endangered species such as the Bengal tiger.
Their complex root systems provide shelter and breeding grounds for numerous marine and terrestrial organisms, making them critical for maintaining biodiversity. This protection is particularly crucial for coastal communities vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. Despite their importance, mangroves are under threat from human activities such as coastal development, aquaculture expansion, logging, and pollution.
As per the latest report of IUCN on the Mangrove Ecosystem, it is expected that around 25% of mangrove areas globally will submerge due to rising sea levels in the next 50 Years. Thus, Conserving and restoring this ecosystem is crucial for protecting biodiversity, and ensuring the resilience of coastal communities as an essential move for the health of the planet and the well-being of humanity.
To ensure the long-term survival of these ecosystems, it is crucial to strengthen policy enforcement and regulatory frameworks with enhanced community participation and traditional knowledge integration. By recognizing the value of mangroves and taking timely action to preserve them, we can ensure that these vital ecosystems continue to provide their numerous benefits for generations to come.