Mangroves in India: A Comprehensive Guide to Mangrove

In the realm of mangrove ecosystems, South East Asia and South Asia collectively harbor approximately 40% of the world’s mangrove cover.

Within South Asia, Mangroves in India holds a significant stake, boasting about 3% of the total mangrove cover in the region.

Delving deeper into mangroves in india landscape, West Bengal emerges as a prominent custodian, contributing a substantial 42.45% to the country’s mangrove cover. Following closely are Gujarat, accounting for 23.66%, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with a share of 12.39%.

Notably, the Sundarbans in West Bengal reigns as the crowned jewel, holding the distinction of being the largest mangrove forest region globally.

Adding to India’s mangrove magnificence is Bhitarkanika in Odisha, claiming the title of the second-largest mangroves in india .

Key points

Mangroves in India: A Natural Treasure

Significant Contributor: India stands as a cornerstone of mangrove conservation in South Asia, boasting nearly half of the total mangrove cover in the region.

Forest Survey Findings: As per the Forest Survey report of 2021, mangroves in india cover spans approximately 4,992 square kilometers, constituting a mere 0.15 percent of the nation’s total geographical area. Despite a modest increase of only 17 square kilometers since 2019, the preservation efforts remain steadfast.

Leading the Way: West Bengal emerges as a frontrunner with the highest percentage of mangroves in India, primarily owing to the majestic Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest globally. Following closely are Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, each contributing significantly to mangrove conservation.

Spread Across the Nation: Mangrove ecosystems thrive in various states across India, including Maharashtra, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala. Each state plays a crucial role in safeguarding these vital habitats, contributing to the nation’s rich biodiversity.

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Unveiling the Marvels of Mangroves in india

Mangroves stand as the iconic plant formations adorning the sheltered coastlines of tropical and subtropical regions, embodying resilience and adaptability.

Thriving beneath the high water mark of spring tides, these remarkable trees and bushes exhibit an extraordinary capacity for tolerating saltwater, making them indispensable features of coastal ecosystems.

Characterized by their evergreen foliage, mangroves find their homes in diverse habitats, from tidal flats and estuaries to bays, creeks, and barrier islands.

These resilient plants harness high solar radiation and possess the unique ability to extract fresh water from saline or brackish environments, ensuring their survival in challenging conditions.

Employing ingenious adaptations such as pneumatophores (blind roots) to facilitate respiration in anaerobic soil, mangroves navigate their watery habitats with finesse.

With leaves adorned with salt-secreting glands and the ability to reproduce through viviparity, where seeds germinate within the tree itself, mangroves have evolved ingenious strategies for thriving in saline environments.

The Sundarbans mangroves in india stand as a testament to the grandeur of nature, representing the largest single block of tidal mangroves globally and serving as a sanctuary for iconic species like the Royal Bengal Tiger and crocodiles.

Meanwhile, the mangroves in india of Bhitarkanika in Orissa, the second-largest in the Indian subcontinent, boast a rich tapestry of typical mangrove species and genetic diversity, underscoring their ecological significance.

Mangroves in india go beyond mere flora; their specialized roots, including prop roots and pneumatophores, play a crucial role in impeding water flow, stabilizing coastal shores, and providing vital breeding grounds for marine life.

Acting as natural barriers, mangroves in india shield coastal lands from the ravages of tsunamis, hurricanes, and floods, while their photosynthetic prowess ensures the release of oxygen into the atmosphere, contributing to the planet’s well-being.

Mangroves: Guardians of Coastal Ecosystems

Mangroves, the guardians of coastal ecosystems, create a distinctive environment along the shorelines. Flourishing in tropical and subtropical regions, these mostly evergreen forests find their homes in sheltered coastal areas, estuaries, and tidal creeks. They thrive below the high water mark of spring tides, thriving in locations where rivers deposit ample silt or along expanding sandy beaches.

Key Characteristics of Mangroves

1. Unique Habitat: Mangroves represent a characteristic littoral (near the seashore) forest ecosystem, creating vital habitats for diverse marine life.
2. Thriving Environment: These mostly evergreen forests flourish in sheltered coastal areas, estuaries, mudflats, and tidal creeks of tropical and subtropical regions.

Adaptability and Resilience

1. Salt Tolerance: Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees, known as halophytes, adapted to thrive in harsh coastal conditions.
2. Ecotone Examples: Positioned between land and sea, mangroves exemplify ecotones, showcasing unique adaptability to saline coastal environments.

Protective Role and Productivity

1. Natural Barriers: Ranging in height from 8 to 20 meters, mangroves serve as natural barriers against cyclones and tsunamis, protecting coastlines from their devastating effects.
2. Biodiversity Hotspots: Beyond their protective role, mangroves serve as vital breeding grounds for numerous commercially valuable fish species, enriching marine biodiversity.

Conclusion: Mangroves stand as resilient ecosystems, safeguarding coastlines while nurturing marine life, making them essential components of coastal landscapes.

Unlocking the Power of Mangroves in Climate Change

Nature’s Guardians: Mangroves stand as resilient defenders against the impacts of climate change in tropical and subtropical regions, armed with remarkable adaptive capabilities.

Shielding Against Adversity: These invaluable ecosystems serve as a frontline defense, mitigating the effects of rising sea levels and the heightened frequency of natural disasters like cyclones and storm surges.

Carbon Captains: Among the most carbon-rich forests in the tropics, mangroves play a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide. They contribute significantly, accounting for approximately three percent of carbon absorbed by the world’s tropical forests.

Economic Pillars: Beyond their ecological importance, mangroves serve as economic lifelines for many coastal communities in tropical regions. Their preservation is essential for sustaining the blue economy and ensuring livelihoods dependent on coastal resources.

Global Imperative: Safeguarding mangroves is not just a local or regional concern but a global imperative. It necessitates concerted efforts at all levels – local, regional, and international – to ensure the sustainability of these coastal habitats and their invaluable contributions to combating climate change.

Exploring Bhitarkanika Mangroves in india

Bhitarkanika Mangroves in india , a mesmerizing expanse of mangrove wetlands nestled in Odisha, India, extends over 650 square kilometers, encompassing the tranquil deltas of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers.

Preservation Efforts:
In 1975, the ecological significance of Bhitarkanika was acknowledged, leading to the designation of a vast area spanning 672 square kilometers as the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. Over time, this sanctuary’s core area, covering 145 square kilometers, was officially declared as Bhitarkanika National Park in September 1998, further solidifying its protected status.

Diverse Ecosystem:
Within the sanctuary’s embrace lies a diverse tapestry of biodiversity. This vibrant ecosystem boasts an impressive array of mangrove species, totaling around 62, including Avicenna, Bruguiera, Heritiera, and Rhizophora. Among the intriguing inhabitants are reptiles such as the saltwater crocodile, king cobra, Indian python, and water monitor, enhancing its allure and mystique.

Historical Transition:
Once serving as zamindari forests until 1952, the Bhitarkanika Mangroves in india witnessed a significant transition. Following the abolition of the zamindari system by the government of Odisha, stewardship of these invaluable forests passed into the capable hands of the state forest department, ensuring their protection and preservation for generations to come.

Mangrove Conservation

1990 UNESCO Designation: Mangroves garnered global recognition as vital ecosystems with their inclusion in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites, and UNESCO Global Geoparks. This move fosters greater understanding, management, and conservation efforts worldwide.

International Society for Mangrove Ecosystem (ISME): Established in 1990, ISME stands as a beacon for mangrove conservation. This non-governmental organization is dedicated to advancing the study of mangroves, aiming to bolster their conservation, responsible management, and sustainable utilization.

Blue Carbon Initiative: With a focus on combating climate change, the International Blue Carbon Initiative champions the preservation and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems. Spearheaded by Conservation International (CI), IUCN, and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC-UNESCO), this initiative strives for environmental stewardship.

International Day for Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation: UNESCO commemorates July 26 as the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. This observance serves to raise awareness about the importance of mangrove ecosystems and advocates for their sustainable management and preservation.

Mangroves for the Future Initiative: A collaborative effort by IUCN and UNDP, the “Mangroves for the Future (MFF)” initiative fosters investment in coastal ecosystem conservation. With member nations including Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and others, this initiative drives collective action for mangrove preservation.

National Mangrove Committee: The Government of India’s establishment of the National Mangrove Committee in 1976 underscores its commitment to mangrove conservation. Tasked with advising the government on mangrove conservation and development, this committee plays a pivotal role in safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems.

Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC)

Launching for Conservation: Led by the UAE in collaboration with Indonesia, the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) made its debut at the COP27 Summit in Egypt. Its primary aim is to ramp up efforts for the conservation and restoration of mangrove forests, vital ecosystems for our planet.

Promoting Nature-Based Solutions: MAC endeavors to shed light on the crucial role of mangroves as nature-based solutions to climate change. By emphasizing their significance, the alliance aims to garner support and action from global stakeholders.

Global Amplification: The alliance’s efforts will receive a significant boost at the upcoming G20 Summit slated for November 15-16, 2022, in Bali, under Indonesia’s presidency. This platform will serve as a catalyst for amplifying MAC’s mission on an international scale.

Scaling Up Conservation Efforts: MAC is committed to scaling up and accelerating conservation, restoration, and plantation initiatives for mangrove ecosystems worldwide. Recognizing their pivotal role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, the alliance strives to benefit communities globally through its endeavors.

M.C.Q.

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