World Mangrove Day

Source-This post on World Mangrove Day has been created based on the article “World Mangrove Day: Their conservation in India is an impressive turnaround story but challenges remain” published in “Down to Earth” on 26 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.

Context– July 26 is the International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems, established by UNESCO in 2015. This day highlights the unique and vulnerable nature of mangroves and promotes their sustainable management and conservation.

Mangroves, often called ‘sentinels of the coast,’ offer numerous benefits. They protect shorelines, mitigate storm and cyclone impacts, support fish nurseries, sequester carbon and nutrients, maintain genetic diversity, and provide other ecological advantages.

India’s mangrove area grew from 4,046 sq km in 1987 to 4,992 sq km in 2019, as reported by the Forest Survey of India. This progress is notable compared to the global decline of 3.4% in mangrove cover since 1996.

What are the issues with mangrove conservation in India?

1) Decline in Natural Coastal Wetlands -The National Decadal Wetland Change Atlas reports a decline in natural coastal wetlands from 3.69 million hectares in 2006 to 3.62 million hectares in 2018.

2) Loss of Intertidal Mudflats -Intertidal mudflats, important for migratory birds and carbon storage, have been reduced due to mangrove plantations and other causes. Changing these mudflats to mangrove areas leads to a loss of their vital functions.

3) Restoration Challenge- Mangrove restoration usually involves planting propagules, a method popular after the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. However, these efforts face low survival rates and may not tackle the root causes of mangrove loss.

4) Accommodation Space -Mangroves need space to adjust to rising sea levels and accumulating sediments. In cities like Mumbai, where development encroaches on mangroves, the lack of this space can hinder their ability to adapt to climate change.

5) Threats to Mangroves -Mangroves are threatened by over-harvesting, pollution, land conversion, and development.

6) Impact of Climate Change -Climate change affects mangroves with rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and more frequent storms. While warmer temperatures could promote growth, increased storms and sea level rise are major challenges.

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What should be the way forward?

1) Broadening Policy Targets: Policy should focus on overall coastal ecosystem health, not just expanding mangrove cover. Mangroves are interconnected with mudflats, lagoons, and other ecosystems, so preserving these areas and supporting coastal communities is more meaningful.

2) Incorporating Climate Risks –Managing mangroves and coastal ecosystems must address climate risks and include adaptation strategies. Climate models should be designed as per local hydrological and ecological conditions.

3) Expanding Restoration Tools – Mangrove restoration should expand to include hydrological and sediment restoration, along with combined grey-green solutions.

4) Integrating Sector Plans- Sector plans for water, disaster management, fisheries, and tourism must consider the needs of mangroves and coastal ecosystems.

5) Assessing Ecosystem Values: Coastal resilience should be based on understanding the value of ecosystems and involve everyone in society. The new National Coastal Mission may lead to these changes.

Question for practice

What are the issues with mangrove conservation in India? What changes are needed for effective mangrove management?