The Crucial Role of Mangroves in Building Climate and Economic Resilience Introduction 

• As the world faces the escalating impacts of extreme weather events and rising sea levels, ecosystems that capture carbon—commonly referred to as blue carbon ecosystems—have gained attention for their role in mitigating climate change. Among these, mangroves stand out as an essential natural resource. 

What Are Mangroves? An Essential Coastal Ecosystem

• • A mangrove is a salt-tolerant plant community found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. These ecosystems thrive in high-rainfall areas (1,000–3,000 mm) with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 35°C. Mangrove species are adapted to survive in waterlogged soils, high salinity, and frequent tidal surges. They serve as crucial biodiversity refuges and act as bio-shields against extreme climatic events. Additionally, rural populations depend on mangroves for biomass-based livelihoods. 

• Key Features of Mangrove Forests: 

• Adaptation to Saline Water: Mangrove trees have evolved specialized adaptations to cope with saltwater environments. These adaptations include salt-filtering roots that prevent excessive salt from entering the plant system and salt-excreting leaves that help the plants manage high salinity in the soil and water.

• Pneumatophores (Breathing Roots): One of the most remarkable features of mangrove trees is their pneumatophores, or aerial roots. These roots grow upwards from the soil, allowing the plants to “breathe” in the oxygen-poor, waterlogged soil. An example of a mangrove species with pneumatophores is the Avicennia species.

• Prop Roots and Stilt Roots: Mangrove trees, such as those of the Rhizophora species, have prop roots or stilt roots that grow from the trunk and branches. These roots provide critical stability for the tree in soft, muddy substrates, making them well-suited for areas with fluctuating water levels and unstable ground.

• Vivipary (Seed Germination): Another important feature of mangrove trees is vivipary, where seeds begin to germinate while still attached to the parent tree. This adaptation ensures the survival of young plants in the harsh, waterlogged coastal environments by giving them a head start before they are dispersed.

Notable Mangrove Forests in India

• Sundarbans, West Bengal: The Sundarbans is the largest contiguous tidal mangrove forest in the world and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located at the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers, the Sundarbans is famous for its rich biodiversity, including the iconic Royal Bengal Tiger. The area is a unique blend of freshwater from the rivers and saltwater from the Bay of Bengal, making it an ideal habitat for mangrove species and other wildlife.

• Bhitarkanika, Odisha: The Bhitarkanika Mangroves in Odisha are the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in India. Known for its biodiversity, this mangrove forest is home to the saltwater crocodile and a variety of bird species. Bhitarkanika is designated as a Ramsar Site and a National Park, highlighting its importance for conservation.

• Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu: Located in Tamil Nadu, Pichavaram is one of the largest mangrove forests in the state. This ecosystem is not only important for biodiversity but also serves as a unique backwater system that supports eco-tourism. The Pichavaram mangroves play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and supporting local fisheries.

Why are Sundarbans Important?

• The Sundarbans:  The Sundarbans, located in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta, is one of the largest and most ecologically important mangrove regions in the world. Spanning the borders of India and Bangladesh, the Sundarbans is an intricate network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and forests, making it a critical component of the Bay of Bengal. This region is not only a natural haven for wildlife but also plays a pivotal role in protecting coastal communities and providing resources for local populations. Let’s explore the significance of the Sundarbans, its unique biodiversity, and its global importance.

• Geography and Extent of the Sundarbans: The Sundarbans stretches across the delta formed by the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna Rivers in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian part of the Sundarbans covers 4,200 square kilometers, accounting for about 60% of India’s mangrove forests. The region also extends into Bangladesh, where it forms one of the world’s most expansive mangrove ecosystems. This vast expanse serves as a natural barrier against coastal erosion and storm surges, helping to protect millions of people living along the coastline.

• Ecological Importance of the Sundarbans: The Sundarbans is not only a critical defense against natural disasters but also a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports a variety of species. It is home to mangrove forests that thrive in saline and waterlogged conditions, and the region provides vital habitats for a wide range of wildlife, from birds to mammals.

• • • Mangroves in the Sundarbans play a significant role in carbon sequestration, storing vast amounts of carbon that help mitigate the effects of climate change. 
    • Furthermore, these ecosystems support fishing, honey collection, and eco-tourism, providing livelihoods for thousands of local communities.

• Rich Biodiversity of the Sundarbans: The Indian Sundarbans is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar Site, recognizing its global ecological significance. This vast mangrove region hosts a stunning variety of wildlife, including 428 bird species, many of which are rare and endangered. Among these are the Masked Finfoot, Buffy Fish Owl, Goliath Heron, and the Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

• • • The Sundarbans is also famous for hosting nine out of 12 kingfisher species found in India, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. 
    • However, the most iconic residents of the Sundarbans are the Royal Bengal Tigers. Around 96 tigers live in the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve, making it one of the last remaining strongholds for this majestic species.

• The Importance of the Sundarbans in Local Livelihoods: The Sundarbans plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of local populations. The region’s fisheries are a primary source of income for many people, and the unique honey collection from the mangrove forests has been a traditional practice for centuries. Additionally, the beauty and ecological importance of the Sundarbans have made it a popular destination for eco-tourism, which provides income for local communities and raises awareness about the importance of mangrove conservation.

The Vital Importance of Mangroves

• • Biodiversity Hotspots:  Mangrove forests are rich in biodiversity, supporting a wide variety of floral and faunal species. These ecosystems are home to unique species that are specifically adapted to the intertidal zone, where saltwater and freshwater mix, creating a challenging but thriving habitat. Mangroves host diverse species of birds, fish, invertebrates, and plants that rely on the habitat’s unique characteristics. The Sundarbans in West Bengal, which is home to more than 428 bird species, including rare ones like the Masked Finfoot and Buffy Fish Owl.

• Natural Barriers Against Natural Disasters: Mangroves play a critical role in coastal protection by acting as natural barriers. Their dense root systems help to stabilize shorelines, preventing coastal erosion and shielding coastlines from storm surges, tsunamis, and high winds. By reducing the impact of extreme weather events, mangroves protect both infrastructure and human lives. In areas prone to tropical storms and cyclones, mangrove forests significantly reduce the severity of these natural disasters, providing a much-needed buffer for coastal communities.

• Mangroves as Nurseries for Marine Life: Mangrove forests serve as nurseries for marine life, offering a safe haven for the early stages of many marine species. The role of mangroves in supporting marine biodiversity is crucial for both marine ecosystems and fisheries-based livelihoods. India’s coastal fisheries depend on the health of mangrove ecosystems. For example, shrimp farming in coastal areas like West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh thrives in mangrove ecosystems, as juvenile shrimp and fish are born and sheltered in the mangroves before they move to open waters. 

• Vital for Climate Change Mitigation: Mangroves are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering large amounts of blue carbon—carbon stored in coastal and marine ecosystems. Through their biomass and sediments, mangrove forests trap carbon, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. As per World Wildlife Fund mangroves store 7.5–10 times more carbon per acre than tropical forests. Their loss contributes to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. These coastal forests hold over 21 gigatons of carbon, 87% of which is locked in the soil beneath their roots. Restoring just 1.6 million acres of lost mangrove forests could capture an additional 1 gigaton of carbon.

• Livelihood Support for Coastal Communities: Mangroves play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people living in coastal regions. These ecosystems provide resources for activities such as fishing, honey collection, and sustainable forestry products.. In Odisha, local communities depend on mangrove forests for honey collection, with “mangrove honey” being a valued product both locally and in international markets. These mangrove ecosystems provide not only honey but also other resources that contribute to the livelihoods of the people living nearby. 

Initiatives for Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation

•  As per the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR-2023), India’s total mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 sq. km, constituting 0.15% of the nation’s geographical area. 
• There has been net increase of 363.68 Sq.km (7.86%) in Mangrove cover area of the country in 2023 as compared to 2013 and net increase of 509.68 Sq.km (11.4%) between 2001 and 2023.
• West Bengal holds the largest share of the country’s mangrove forests, accounting for 42.45% of the total cover, followed by Gujarat (23.32%) and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (12.19%). 

• • MISHTI Scheme: Launched in June 2023, this is a flagship program designed to restore and reforest mangroves in India. Over the course of five years, the initiative aims to cover 540 km² of mangrove forests across 9 states and 3 Union Territories. Implementation is done through convergence funding with the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). The program is unique because it integrates conservation efforts with income generation for local populations.

• National Coastal Mission Programme: Under the National Coastal Mission Programme, the Indian government has focused on the conservation and management of mangroves and coral reefs through its Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs initiative. Operates on a 60:40 cost-sharing model between the Centre and States. This initiative provides both guidance and financial assistance to states for the preparation and implementation of Management Action Plans (MAPs). These plans focus on various aspects of mangrove conservation, including:

• • • Survey of existing mangrove areas
    • Demarcation of protected zones
    • Afforestation and restoration efforts
    • Public awareness campaigns
  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (2019):    Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, categorises mangroves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), restricting activities within a 50-metre buffer zone where mangrove cover exceeds 1,000 sq. m. It also mandates compensatory replantation at a 3:1 ratio if mangroves are affected by development.

• Co-Management Approaches:  In states like Maharashtra, co-management committees have proven effective in promoting community-led mangrove restoration. These committees typically involve local stakeholders, such as gram panchayats (village councils), women’s self-help groups, and other community organizations, in the planning and execution of restoration projects. The collaborative approach has shown success in not only restoring mangrove forests but also improving climate resilience and enhancing the livelihoods of local communities.

• NGO and Public Engagement: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have been at the forefront of mangrove conservation efforts. Organizations like WWF India and the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme work with local communities to restore mangrove habitats, promote sustainable aquaculture, and raise awareness about the importance of mangroves. These NGOs not only focus on ecological restoration but also emphasize education, ensuring that local populations understand the long-term benefits of mangrove ecosystems for both the environment and their livelihoods.

• • • These projects also often include capacity-building initiatives that equip local communities with the skills and knowledge needed to sustainably manage their natural resources.

• Mangrove Alliance for Climate:  In 2022, India became a member of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC), an international initiative aimed at enhancing global cooperation in mangrove conservation. The alliance facilitates knowledge-sharing, the scaling up of best conservation practices, and the mobilization of resources to protect mangroves worldwide. As a member of MAC, India has committed to increasing its efforts to conserve and restore mangrove forests, particularly in the face of climate change.

 Way Forward 

• Strengthening National and State-Level Policies: A critical step in ensuring the long-term protection of mangrove ecosystems is to update and enforce national and state-level policies. Existing laws such as India’s Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, Forest Acts, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) norms need to be revisited and rigorously enforced to prevent destructive activities like land reclamation, pollution, and unsustainable development. Furthermore, clear frameworks must be established to define ownership and access rights for mangrove resources, ensuring that conservation efforts are carried out sustainably and with respect to local rights.

• Integrating Mangroves into Climate and Disaster Adaptation Plans: Mangroves should be recognized as “natural coastal infrastructure” in all climate change and disaster risk reduction strategies. Their ability to act as barriers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis positions them as critical elements in disaster adaptation plans. Governments at both national and local levels must prioritize mangrove protection within broader climate adaptation frameworks and coastal resilience plans. This integration ensures that mangroves are not only preserved but actively contribute to reducing the impact of climate extremes on vulnerable coastal communities.

• Empowering Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples: Mangrove conservation must be community-centered, with local communities, women’s groups, and indigenous peoples playing an active role in managing and protecting these ecosystems. These communities often possess traditional knowledge of mangrove ecosystems and rely on them for livelihoods such as fishing and honey collection. Co-management approaches, where communities are involved in decision-making, benefit-sharing, and policy development, have proven successful in ensuring the sustainability of mangrove forests. By empowering these groups, we can facilitate capacity-building and community-led restoration, ensuring that mangroves thrive for future generations.

• Promoting Natural Regeneration Over Monoculture Planting: To restore mangrove ecosystems, we must move beyond monoculture planting, which involves the large-scale planting of a single species of mangrove. Instead, the focus should be on natural regeneration, which allows mangroves to recover naturally in their appropriate ecological settings. This method can restore the biodiversity of mangrove forests and create healthier, more resilient ecosystems. Targeted planting should only be done in areas where natural regeneration is not sufficient, ensuring that restoration efforts are both effective and ecologically appropriate.

• Innovating Restoration Techniques: The future of mangrove restoration lies in the innovation of new and effective techniques. For example, the “trenched hydrology” approach has shown promising results in improving the survival and ecosystem function of restored mangroves. This method involves digging trenches along the coastline to improve water flow and hydrological conditions for young mangrove plants, providing them with better growing conditions and improving their overall resilience. Such innovative restoration techniques can enhance the success rates of mangrove restoration projects and ensure that mangroves continue to provide essential ecosystem services.

• Integrated Ownership Models for Urban Mangroves: Urban mangroves are increasingly threatened by development, but they also hold immense potential for community engagement and conservation. Integrated ownership models, such as Eco-Development Communities (EDCs) and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs), can be mobilized to manage and restore urban mangrove areas. Additionally, engagement platforms like ‘Mangrove Mitras’—a community initiative—can provide urban citizens and local communities with opportunities to actively participate in mangrove conservation. These models encourage sustainable management, educate the public about the importance of mangroves, and build community support for conservation efforts.