Source: The post M.S. Swaminathan’s Vision Transformed Mangrove Conservation Globally has been created, based on the article “The scientist who made ‘mangroves’ a buzzword” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2025
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Environment (Mangrove Conservation)
Context: Mangroves, once valued mainly by coastal communities, are now recognised globally for their role in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity conservation. This shift began in the late 1980s, driven largely by the efforts of M.S. Swaminathan, who highlighted their importance in addressing climate change.
Pioneering Climate Advocacy
- Swaminathan’s Tokyo Address (1989): At a 1989 Tokyo conference, Swaminathan stressed how climate change would cause rising sea levels and salinisation of coastal lands, leading to food and livelihood loss. He called for sustainable mangrove management as a key solution.
- Three-Pillar Framework: His advocacy was rooted in ecology, economics, and equity. He promoted using mangrove genes to develop salt-tolerant crops, aiming for food security amid rising sea levels.
- Institutional Efforts and Leadership: He played a key role in establishing the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in 1990, serving as its Founding President until 1993, thereby laying the groundwork for global mangrove advocacy.
Global Momentum and Conservation Tools
- Charter for Mangroves: Swaminathan co-authored the Charter for Mangroves, incorporated into the World Charter for Nature (1992), which remains foundational for mangrove conservation worldwide.
- ISME’s Transformational Work: ISME redefined perceptions of mangroves by documenting their ecological and economic value. It organised workshops, published restoration manuals, and developed the World Mangrove Atlas.
- Role of Applied Research: ISME encouraged applied research, trained diverse stakeholders, and emerged as a hub for mangrove-related knowledge products.
Scientific Infrastructure and International Outreach
- GLOMIS Database: Swaminathan also contributed to building the Global Mangrove Database and Information System (GLOMIS), which documented mangrove research, experts, and genetic data.
- Regional Genetic Resource Centres: A 1992 study across nine countries identified 23 mangrove sites to form a global network of Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres, which are now government-managed protected areas.
India’s Shift in Mangrove Management
- Colonial Legacy and Clear-Felling: Although India has managed mangroves since 1783, the colonial practice of clear-felling persisted until the 1980 Forest Conservation Act. Restoration efforts under this system yielded poor results.
- Scientific Breakthroughs by MSSRF: Swaminathan’s foundation showed that biophysical changes, not community use, caused mangrove degradation. It led to developing the hydro-ecological “fishbone canal method” of restoration.
- Government Adoption and Scaling: The success of this method led to its adoption across multiple states. In 2000, a Ministry evaluation recommended the approach nationally, resulting in greater public investment.
- Disaster Mitigation Validation: Mangroves’ protective role during the 1999 Odisha super cyclone and 2004 tsunami further reinforced their importance and accelerated global restoration efforts.
Measurable Gains and Recognition
- Increase in Mangrove Cover: According to the India State of Forest Report 2023, mangrove cover reached 4,991.68 sq. km, or 0.15% of India’s total geographical area. This marks a 16.68 sq. km increase since 2019.
- World Mangrove Day Reflection: Observed on July 26, the day underscores progress in mangrove conservation and highlights the impact of sustained efforts pioneered by Swaminathan and institutional partners.
Question for practice:
Discuss the role of M.S. Swaminathan in transforming mangrove conservation at national and global levels.
