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News: A recent study of the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem estimated its Total Economic Value (TEV) at ₹2,485.38 crore ($289 million), with a per-hectare value of ₹1.83 crore.
About Pichavaram Mangrove Ecosystem
- Pichavaram Mangrove is one of India’s largest mangrove ecosystems and a designated Ramsar site.
- It was designated as a Ramsar site in 2022.
- Location: It is situated between the Vellar and Coleroon estuaries in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.
- The back waters in the mangroves are inter-connected by two river systems, viz. the Vellar and the Coleroon river systems.
- Area: It is spread over 1,478.64 hectares.
- It spreads across a complex network of tidal channels, mudflats and dense vegetation.
- Climate: The climate in Pichavaram is tropical wet and dry characterized by very hot and humid summers.
- Diversity:
- Flora: Avicennia marina is the most dominant mangrove species followed by Avicennia officinalis, Excoecaria agallocha, Rhizophora apiculata and Rhizophora mucronata.
- Fauna: It supports remarkable biodiversity, including around 177 species of resident and migratory birds.
- Significance: It plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity conservation, fisheries productivity, coastal protection, climate regulation, blue carbon sequestration, and livelihood security for coastal communities.
- Threat: Of the 36 mangrove ecosystems assessed in the IUCN Red List, Pichavaram is among the critically endangered zones.
- It face growing threats from plastic and microplastic pollution, shrimp farming, land conversion, unregulated tourism, reduced freshwater inflow and poor waste management,
