Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees & shrubs that grow mainly in coastal intertidal zones that have saline or brackish water.

• Growing Condition: Low-lying areas of tropical and subtropical regions (Between 24 degrees North and 38 degrees South) with significant rainfall. Represent the littoral forest ecosystem (wetland forest).

Specialized Adaptations of Mangroves: Salt Tolerance, Breathing Roots, Viviparity

• Salt tolerant: Thus, are also called Halophytes. They are 8-20 meters high and have thick leaves. 
• Distribution: They are confined to tropical and subtropical regions as they need high solar radiation to filter saline water through their roots.
• Breathing Roots: Have blind roots, called Pneumatophores which help them respire in anaerobic soils. 
• Viviparity mode of reproduction: Its seeds germinate in the trees themselves before falling.

Concerns Associated with Mangrove Protection: Climate Change, Pollution, Invasive Species

• Climate change impacts: Rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and changing rainfall patterns can lead to the erosion and submergence of mangrove forests. For eg. According to a study, Sundarbans could lose over 40% of its mangrove area by 2070 due to sea-level rise.

Sunderbans, the world’s largest contiguous mangrove forest, as a prime example of coexistence with nature.

• Pollution and contamination: Industrial effluents, untreated sewage, unsustainable tourism & oil spills can contaminate the water and sediment, affecting the health of mangroves. For eg, In Gulf of Kutch. 
  • Study in the Mahim Bay mangroves (Mumbai), revealed heavy metal contamination.
• Invasive species such as the exotic plant Prosopis juliflora and Lantana camara, pose a threat to mangroves in some Indian coastal areas.
• Land conversion: Conversion of mangrove forests for shrimp farming in the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu has been a significant issue. For eg. According to the Global Mangrove Watch, between 2000 and 2012, India lost approximately 10% of its mangrove cover.

• Limited understanding of mangrove spatial distribution and species habitat requirement has reduced the success of conservation initiatives in many parts of the Indian coastline.

WAY FORWARD:

• Strengthen Legal Frameworks: Encourage sustainable land-use practices and discourage activities like illegal logging, aquaculture expansion, and urban development in mangrove areas.

• • Monitoring through use of remote sensing techniques, GIS mapping, & satellite imagery to monitor changes in mangrove cover. For eg. ISRO’s National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (NWIA) 

• Ecological Restoration: National Mangrove Mission (NMM) for mangrove restoration, conserving ecosystems through scientific research and community partnerships is a step in the right direction.

• Community Participation and Empowerment: It fosters a sense of ownership and ensures sustainable management practices. For eg, In Sundarbans region.

• Awareness of mangroves’ ecological significance, promote responsibility, and encourage conservation through education campaigns and outreach initiatives.

Conclusion

Future for The Mangroves – MISHTI scheme is an innovative effort that combines conservation, sustainable development, and community engagement. By fostering ecological resilience, promoting green livelihoods, and using advanced approaches, this scheme aims for a greener and more prosperous India’s coastal region.

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