Source: LM
Mangroves make up only about 0.15% of India’s land area but provide numerous benefits to coastal communities over its vast coastline (spanning 7516km)
Benefits of Mangroves for India:
| Benefits | Examples |
| Coastal Protection | Mangroves act as natural barriers against erosion, storms, and cyclones. They reduce wave impact, protecting coastal areas from damage. |
| Flood Mitigation | Mangroves stabilize sedimentation and help mitigate coastal flooding. In the Sundarbans region, mangroves help prevent inland flooding during monsoon seasons. |
| Biodiversity Habitat | Mangroves provide critical habitats for various plant and animal species, including endangered ones like the Bengal tiger and the Ganges river dolphin.
E.g., Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, hosts a diverse range of species, supporting biodiversity. |
| Livelihood Support | Mangroves contribute to the livelihoods of fisher communities. Programs in the Sundarbans demonstrate how involving local communities can lead to sustainable livelihoods for fisherfolk. |
| Water Quality Improvement | Mangroves act as natural filters, trapping sediments, pollutants, and excess nutrients. They improve water quality and benefit marine ecosystems. |
| Climate Change Mitigation | Mangroves absorb and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, aiding in climate change mitigation. |
| Resilience to Climate Change | Mangroves show adaptability to sea-level rise and increased storm intensity. They recover relatively quickly from climate-related impacts. |
- Objective: Revive and conserve wetlands, enhance biodiversity, eco-tourism, and livelihoods of local communities.
- Approach: Optimal utilization of wetlands, public participation, and Ramsar site designation.
Key Features:
- Encourages sustainable ecosystem use.
- Combats wetland degradation.
- Ensures water availability for migratory birds.
- Foster’s intelligent wetland use.
- Public participation for wise wetland management.
MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes):
- Objective: Plant mangroves along coastlines and salt pan lands, promote intensive afforestation, and ensure sustainable livelihoods.
- Approach: Convergence of MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources for mangrove plantation.
Key Features:
- Intensive coastal mangrove afforestation.
- Comprehensive coverage across states and territories.
- Sharing best practices through Public Private Partnership.
- Promotes eco-tourism, agroforestry, and alternative livelihoods.
