AtoZ UPSC: [Mains Focus] Mangroves as Guardians of Life and Livelihoods

Introduction:

Mangroves, the salt-tolerant coastal forests, have long stood as the first line of defense for tropical and subtropical coastlines. In India, they are not only ecological sentinels but also critical to sustaining coastal economies and ensuring climate resilience. Recent government initiatives and community-led transformations, such as in Navghar, Maharashtra, highlight how mangroves are being revived as central pillars of environmental and economic well-being.

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are intertidal plant communities thriving in saline, oxygen-deficient, and waterlogged soils found in coastal zones. These ecosystems are typically found in high-rainfall regions with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 35°C. They act as:

Ecological barriers against coastal erosion, cyclones, and tsunamis.
Cradles of biodiversity, supporting fish, crustaceans, birds, and other wildlife.
Carbon sinks, absorbing and storing significant amounts of atmospheric carbon.
Livelihood support systems for rural communities dependent on fishing, honey collection, and biomass.

India’s Mangrove Cover and Conservation Efforts:

As per the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India's mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 sq. km, accounting for 0.15% of the total geographical area. This represents a 7.86% increase from 2013 and an 11.4% increase since 2001.

Top States by Mangrove Cover:

West Bengal – 42.45% (Primarily Sundarbans)
Gujarat – 23.32%
Andaman & Nicobar Islands – 12.19%

Gujarat, in particular, has witnessed remarkable expansion due to community participation, afforestation programs, and private sector engagement.

Why Mangroves Matter:

🌿 1. Biodiversity Hotspots:

Mangroves host a rich variety of marine and terrestrial life. Their complex root systems serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fish, crabs, and mollusks.

🛡️ 2. Coastal Protection:

They act as natural barriers against storm surges, sea-level rise, and tidal waves. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami demonstrated that mangrove-covered areas suffered less damage compared to exposed coastlines.

🌍 3. Climate Regulation:

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF):

Mangroves store 7.5–10 times more carbon per acre than tropical rainforests.
21 gigatons of carbon are locked within global mangrove ecosystems.
Their degradation accounts for nearly 10% of global deforestation-related emissions.

Restoring just 1.6 million acres of lost mangroves could sequester 1 gigaton of CO₂ additionally.

💰 4. Livelihoods and Economy:

Coastal communities depend on mangroves for:

Fishing, crab and shrimp farming.
Honey and fuelwood collection.
Ecotourism and traditional medicine.

Key Governmental and Multilateral Initiatives in India:

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

Launched: 5 June 2023 (World Environment Day)
Target: Restoration and afforestation of 540 sq. km across 9 coastal States and 4 UTs.
Funding: Through convergence with CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
2024–25 Allocation: ₹17.96 crore for restoring 3,836 hectares in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Puducherry.

🔹 2. National Coastal Mission – Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs:

Sites Covered: 38 mangrove sites and 4 coral reef zones.
Funding Model: 60:40 Centre-State cost-sharing.
Recent Assistance: ₹8.58 crore released during 2021–2023.

🔹 3. GCF-ECRICC Project:

Full Form: Green Climate Fund – Enhancing Coastal Resilience of Indian Coastal Community.
States Covered: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha.
Target: Restore 10,575 hectares of mangroves.
Progress: 3,114.29 hectares restored by 2024.

Legal and Regulatory Framework:

✅ Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019:

Notified under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Mangroves declared Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
Buffer Zone: Activities restricted within 50 meters if mangrove cover exceeds 1,000 sq. m.
Compensatory Plantation: Mandatory 3:1 ratio for development-related losses.

✅ Other Relevant Acts:

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Indian Forest Act, 1927
Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Navghar – A Model of Community-led Mangrove Revival:

Navghar village in Maharashtra exemplifies the synergy of policy, science, and grassroots action.

Transformation Story:

Pre-2021: Declining fish/crab catch due to mangrove degradation.
Post-2021: Formation of Mangrove Co-Management Committee and training for women’s SHGs.
Creation of sustainable crab farming enterprises like Wild Crab Aqua Farm.
Over two acres now used for eco-friendly livelihoods.
Result: Year-round employment, enhanced coastal biodiversity, and restored mangrove cover.

This model aligns with the UNDP-GCF supported ECRICC initiative to integrate nature-based solutions with climate resilience and gender empowerment.

Challenges to Mangrove Ecosystems in India:

Urbanization and infrastructure development
Illegal aquaculture and shrimp farming
Pollution and industrial waste discharge
Climate-induced salinity shifts and sea-level rise
Lack of local awareness and community participation

The Way Forward:

Strengthen Community Ownership:
Involve local fisherfolk, women’s groups, and panchayats in long-term stewardship.
Enhance Financial Support:
Scale up CSR and Green Bonds for afforestation and mangrove buffer zones.
Promote Nature-based Livelihoods:
Support mud crab farming, eco-tourism, and bioresource-based micro-enterprises.
Leverage Digital Tools:
Use satellite monitoring, drones, and GIS to track mangrove health.
Integrate Education and Awareness:
School and college programs must include mangrove conservation modules.

Conclusion:

Mangroves, once undervalued coastal flora, are now being rightfully recognized as guardians of life, livelihood, and climate resilience. India's efforts, backed by scientific insight, policy innovations, and community participation, represent a globally relevant model for ecological restoration. As climate threats intensify, mangroves will remain our green sentinels—absorbing shocks, sustaining lives, and reminding us that nature’s protection is also our survival strategy.

AtoZ UPSC

Monday, 7 April 2025

[Mains Focus] Mangroves as Guardians of Life and Livelihoods