International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

On July 26th, recognize the International Day for Mangrove Conservation. Essential for coastal protection, climate action, and marine life – learn why these vital ecosystems need our urgent attention.

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Context: As the world marks the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on July 26, there is a need to renew India’s commitment to protect these vital coastal ecosystems amid rising climate threats.

International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem is commemorated every year on 26th July. It was established by the General Conference of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in 2015 and was celebrated for the first time in July 2016.

The main aim of this International Day is to:

Raise awareness: Emphasise the vast significance of mangrove ecosystems as special, exceptional, and fragile natural environments.
Promote sustainable protection: Promote and encourage approaches for their wise use, conservation, and sustainable management.

What are Mangroves and Where Are They Found in India?

Salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that grow in estuarine and intertidal zones.
Adaptations: Aerial roots, waxy leaves, and vivipary (seeds germinate while still on the tree).
Climatic Preference: Rainfall (1,000–3,000 mm) and temperature range (26°C–35°C).

Key Indian Regions

West Bengal – Sundarbans (largest mangrove forest globally).
Gujarat – Gulf of Kutch and Gulf of Khambhat.
Odisha – Bhitarkanika.
Others – Andhra Pradesh (Godavari-Krishna delta), Kerala, Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

What is the Multifaceted Significance of Mangroves?

Ecological Role

Bio-shields: Protect coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis.
Carbon Sinks: Store more carbon than other forest types (3,754 tons/hectare).
Biodiversity Hubs: Provide habitat and nursery grounds for diverse flora and fauna.

Economic Role

Livelihoods: Support fisheries, honey collection, boating, and ecotourism.
Blue Economy: Sustain aquaculture and marine biodiversity.

What are the Threats Faced by Mangrove Forests in India?

Anthropogenic Pressures: Deforestation, pollution, dam construction, shrimp farming, urban expansion.
Climate Change Impacts: Sea-level rise, increased storms, rising temperatures.
- Mangroves are unable to migrate inland due to human settlements, risking submergence.
Global Trends: Mangroves are declining 3–5 times faster than other forests.
- 33% of global mangroves are threatened (International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Ecosystems).

What Steps Has the Government Taken for Mangrove Conservation?

National Initiatives

MISHTI (2023): Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes.
- Launched: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) on 5th June 2023.
- Objective: Promote mangrove conservation and afforestation with a focus on:
  - Livelihood generation.
  - Carbon sequestration.
  - Acting as natural bio-shields.
Amrit Dharohar: Promotes unique ecosystems.
State-Level Projects:
- SAIME (West Bengal): Sustainable aquaculture in mangrove areas.
- Vana Samrakshana Samitis (Andhra Pradesh): Community-based forest protection.
- Green Tamil Nadu Mission.

Global Collaborations

Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC): Launched at COP27 to unite countries for restoration and conservation.
Mangroves for the Future (MFF): IUCN-UNDP initiative focusing on coastal ecosystem conservation across South and Southeast Asia.