India’s Coastal Guardians: Mangroves Imperiled by Storms and Shrimp Farming
The Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) released a sobering report on World Mangrove Day, revealing the precarious state of mangrove forests along India’s coastline. While large swathes of mangroves in southern India are deemed critically endangered, those on the west coast, including Gujarat, face a looming threat of collapse due to anthropogenic activities like shrimp aquaculture and natural disasters such as cyclones.
Mangroves Under Siege: A Global Perspective
The report, titled ‘The State of the World’s Mangroves, 2024’, utilized satellite data from 2020 to meticulously map the world’s natural mangrove forests, spanning an expansive 1.47 lakh sq km. It highlighted that Southeast Asia boasts the largest mangrove cover, with Indonesia leading the pack, possessing 21% of the global total. India, part of South Asia, contributes 6.6% to the world’s mangrove forests.
Climate Change and Human Activities: A Double-Edged Sword
The GMA report identified two primary culprits behind the decline of mangroves: climate change-induced rising sea levels and human-driven activities like aquaculture and agriculture. Conversion to aquaculture, oil palm plantations, and rice cultivation account for a staggering 43% of mangrove loss between 2000 and 2020. The report also emphasized that shrimp aquaculture, a burgeoning industry in several Indian states, plays a significant role in mangrove destruction.
India’s Mangrove Strongholds and Conservation Efforts
India’s mangrove cover, estimated at 4,992 sq km, is predominantly concentrated in West Bengal and Gujarat. The Union government’s Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) program, launched in June, aims to augment mangrove cover across 11 states and two Union territories. Additionally, corporate partnerships in Gujarat seek to plant mangroves along 30 sq km of the state’s coastline.
Local Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite these efforts, local challenges persist. Excessive grazing and lopping during the flowering season hinder natural regeneration in the Gulf of Khambhat. Conservationists emphasize that protection alone may not suffice; active restoration efforts are crucial to safeguarding these vital ecosystems.
Summary
Mangrove forests along India’s coastline face an existential threat from climate change-induced sea-level rise and human activities, particularly shrimp aquaculture. While government and corporate initiatives aim to restore and protect these ecosystems, local challenges like overgrazing necessitate a multi-pronged approach to conservation.
Key Takeaways
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Global Mangrove Assessment | The GMA report maps the world’s mangrove forests and identifies critical threats. |
| India’s Mangroves | Southern Indian mangroves are critically endangered, while those on the west coast are vulnerable. |
| Causes of Decline | Climate change, aquaculture, and agriculture contribute to mangrove loss. |
| Conservation Efforts | Government and corporate initiatives aim to restore and protect mangroves. |
| Local Challenges | Overgrazing and lopping hinder natural regeneration in some areas. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
