"My only wish now is that the government takes efforts to preserve the dwindling mangrove forests. They wrongly think developing forests is dead investment, that it fetches no returns. After decades of effort, people now realize the blessings these trees can bring. The mangrove trees in private lands also should be preserved."
These were the words of the 'Mangrove Man,' Kallen Pokkudan, who devoted his entire life to the regeneration and protection of mangrove trees along the Kerala coast. His efforts went largely unrecognized until the tsunami struck the Indian coast in 2004, leaving behind unprecedented destruction that coastal communities had ever witnessed in the country. This event made people realize the crucial importance of mangroves.
India, a country with a rich environmental heritage boasting a coastline stretching over 7500 km, also holds a remarkable diversity of mangrove ecosystems in the world. Mangroves are woody plants, constituting the only tall tree forests on the planet, strategically positioned between land and sea in tropical and sub-tropical coasts. They are specially adapted to harsh environments where no other plant species can thrive. India is home to the world's largest mangrove region known as the ‘Sundarbans’, which stretches across Bangladesh and India, with India possessing 40% of these mangroves.
Additionally, India's coastline features mangrove forests covering over 30% of its expanse, housing 50 different species. Beyond their environmental significance, mangroves also hold economic importance for the coastal areas of the country. Some experts argue that the mangrove ecosystem shelters one-of-a-kind plants and animals, and a whopping 90% of marine creatures experience some part of their life cycle within such forests.
Despite this fact, mangroves have been vanishing at a rate three to five times faster than the general global forest losses. This trend can lead to significant environmental and socio-ecological consequences. According to one estimate, the coverage of mangroves has been halved over the past 40 years. The article talks about why mangroves are important. It also says that India needs both laws and community-driven efforts to keep mangroves safe.
Mangroves as the Guardians of Coastal Ecosystems
The word "mangrove" comes from the Senegalese word 'mangue', meaning 'into the sea'. Mangroves are forests along the coast, between the land and the ocean. They help weaken the force of waves, acting like a shield. This makes them the first line of protection during cyclones. They are typically found in tropical and sub-tropical coastal areas and are the only ‘blue carbon’ forests which is believed to be evolved around 114 million years ago.
- Protecting coastlines: They also function as natural sponges, absorbing excess water to prevent inland flooding and emitting tiny droplets into the air to help regulate temperature. Indian mangroves provide a wide range of crucial environmental benefits, including the protection of coastlines from wind, waves, and water currents, mitigating the impacts of natural disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis, and preventing soil erosion and sediment buildup. Moreover, mangrove forests contribute to a 31% reduction in wave heights, thereby safeguarding homes, assets, and infrastructure from harmful flooding. The occurrence of recent cyclones on India's west coast in consecutive years highlights the critical importance of safeguarding the west coast through the preservation of mangroves. In the words of mangroves of man of India, Kallen Pokkudan “No tsunami would dare wreak havoc if the coastal lines are protected by these natural guardians.” The roots of mangrove trees play a crucial role in retaining sediments and stabilizing the soil in the intertidal region. Numerous studies have demonstrated that as much as 60 percent of the force from waves is absorbed by the initial 100 meters of mangroves along a coastline.
- Supporting bio-diversity: The distinctive aerial roots of mangrove trees serve as nutrient recyclers and function as vital nurseries for fish and various marine organisms. The mangrove ecosystem boasts an extraordinary level of biodiversity, encompassing a wide array of fauna, including numerous bird species and a diverse range of other creatures. In terms of biodiversity, mangroves sustain a distinctive species of fungi, microbes, plants, and higher-level animal species, including various migratory birds. Additionally, mangroves function as vital nursery grounds for numerous marine creatures, including shrimps, crabs, and various fish species. They serve as the crucial interface between coastal and terrestrial ecosystems, providing support for a diverse range of species, including those from terrestrial, estuarine, and marine environments. Mangroves are also home to many endangered species, including the hawksbill turtle, the Bengal tiger, and various other endangered bird species. Furthermore, for numerous migratory birds, mangroves serve as essential stopovers, offering both habitat and a source of food.
- Mitigating climate change: Another exceptional characteristic of mangroves is their ability to sequester four times more carbon than rainforests. Through photosynthesis, they take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it in their biomass and sediment. The waterlogged conditions in mangrove habitats slow down decomposition, enabling them to retain the stored carbon for extended periods. This process positions mangroves as one of the most effective ecosystems for long-term sequestration, playing a crucial role in reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Mangroves can be found along the coast of all states and islands in India. As of 2021, here's how much they cover in each place: West Bengal has the most, with 2,112 square kilometers, followed by the Andaman & Nicobar Islands with 616 square kilometers. Odisha has 251 square kilometers, Tamil Nadu has 45, and Kerala and Puducherry have 9 and 2 square kilometers respectively.
In addition, there are mangroves in Gujarat (1,177 sq.km.), Andhra Pradesh (404 sq.km.), Maharashtra (320 sq.km.), Goa (26 sq.km.), Karnataka (10 sq.km.), and Diu-Daman (3 sq.km.). These mangroves act as the crucial natural shields, protecting cities like Mumbai, Kochi, Surat and all other towns as well as villages from coastal erosion and flooding.
What are the threats that endanger mangroves in India
Even though we understand how important mangroves are for a healthy environment, they are facing a serious threat in India. The most recent report from the Global Mangrove Alliance paints a concerning picture: 67% of mangroves have already been damaged or lost, and another 1% is disappearing every year. This trend puts mangroves at high risk of being completely wiped out. This is a critical issue for the overall health of our coastal areas and the creatures that rely on them.
The global mangrove ecosystem is facing a growing threat from climate change, marked by increasing temperatures, more frequent flooding, changing hydrologic patterns, rising sea levels, and an escalating magnitude and frequency of tropical storms and natural calamities like tsunamis. Mangroves, situated at the interface between land and sea, are among the first ecosystems to be affected.
Additionally, the ecosystem is rapidly losing its biodiversity due to anthropogenic activities such as land reclamation, water pollution from domestic and industrial sewage, agriculture and aquaculture, mangrove deforestation for firewood, sand dredging, and wildlife poaching, among others.
Mangroves in India are under significant threat due to decreasing freshwater flows, increasing agricultural run-off, and the conversion of mangrove areas for alternative purposes. The World Bank reports that from 1880 to 1980, India saw the loss of approximately 275,000 hectares of mangroves, resulting in a decline in species diversity and a reduction in the various ecosystem services provided by coastal mangroves and mudflats.
The progression of urbanization and the development of infrastructure like seawalls and harbours further challenge their survival. Moreover, rising sea levels and heightened soil salinity are altering the dominant mangrove species or diminishing their diversity. This array of pressures poses a substantial risk to the continued health and existence of these crucial coastal ecosystems.
The struggle between ecological preservation and economic development concerning mangroves is a persistent issue in various Indian cities. Mumbai, known as India's economic hub, which originally emerged from seven islands, has felt the repercussions of declining mangrove conditions. In just the past decade, some fishing villages in Mumbai have witnessed staggering coastal erosion of up to 18 meters. Satellite imagery revealed extensive destruction of mangroves when construction began on Mumbai's new international airport in Navi Mumbai. The upcoming bullet train project linking Mumbai and Ahmedabad is projected to necessitate the removal of at least 35,000 mangrove trees.
More recently, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is poised to clear a one-hectare parcel of mangroves to construct an elevated station for the metro rail service. Additionally, during the construction of Mumbai's eastern seaboard in 2019, approximately 8000 mangrove trees were lost. In a separate instance, in the state of Kerala alone, the mangrove area has dwindled from 700 square kilometers in 1975 to a mere 17 square kilometers in 2023.
Notably, 75% of the existing mangroves in the region now belong to private individuals. This stark reality underscores the pressing need for balanced and sustainable approaches to development in these vital coastal ecosystems. The decline of mangroves is not solely attributable to human activities; natural factors also play a significant role. The escalating level of salinity poses another threat to these mangrove ecosystems. Frequent cyclones, along with the impacts of climate change and rising sea levels, further disrupt the delicate balance of the mangrove ecosystem. These combined forces highlight the complexity of preserving and safeguarding mangroves, necessitating a comprehensive and adaptive approach to their conservation.
Empowering Coastal communities
For coastal communities, mangroves hold a significance beyond being just plants; they serve as vital protectors of their habitats and a source of livelihood. Mangroves offer sustainable means of living for these communities. Additionally, they act as a natural barrier, shielding coastal areas from storms, cyclones, tidal surges, seepage of seawater, and intrusion. A crucial benefit of mangroves for local communities lies in their role as providers of food security. By acting as nurseries for marine species, mangroves support both local coastal and commercial fisheries, ensuring a steady supply of seafood for these communities. This multi-faceted contribution underscores the profound importance of mangroves in the lives and well-being of coastal populations.
Researchers emphasize that a significant 80% of the world's fish catches are either directly or indirectly linked to mangroves. Coastal communities have long maintained a harmonious relationship with mangroves, enabling them to sustain their way of life while also securing their livelihoods. Traditionally, mangroves have been utilized for their wood, primarily for minor construction. Different species serve various purposes, including providing quality fodder, fulfilling dietary needs, addressing rheumatic disorders, and even contributing to activities like prawn farming and salt production. In these communities, people primarily rely on fishing within the mangrove ecosystems for their sustenance.
Legal framework for the protection of mangrove ecosystems
The Indian government has taken proactive steps for the protection and revival of mangroves in the country through a series of legislations and regulations. These measures can be broadly categorized into two groups. The first category includes promotional measures, which are executed through various schemes and programs like the "National Coastal Mission Programme on Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs." This initiative involves the development and implementation of an "Annual Management Plan" in the coastal states of the country.
Another crucial category comprises regulatory measures implemented by the government through a range of legislative actions. This includes significant policies like the "Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019," issued under "the Environment Protection Act, 1986", as well as "the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972", "the Indian Forest Act, 1927", "the Biological Diversity Act, 2002", and various rules established under these acts over time. Furthermore, in the 8th meeting of the contracting parties, which included India, to "the Convention on Wetlands" held in Spain in November 2002, a resolution was passed concerning mangroves. This resolution acknowledged that "the survival of a large number of local communities and indigenous peoples depend upon the productivity and health of mangrove ecosystems." This underscores the critical role mangroves play in sustaining the livelihoods and well-being of local communities and indigenous peoples.
In the case of Krishnadevi Malchand Kamathia v. Bombay Environmental Action Group, it was emphasized that "Mangrove forests are of great ecological importance and are also ecologically sensitive." Additionally, in the case of Laxman Ichharam v. Divisional Forest Officer, it was determined that land covered by mangroves constitutes a "forest" and that all mangroves fall under Coastal Regulation Zone-I, regardless of their size. This designation prohibits new construction except as specified in the CRZ regulations. A landmark decision by the Bombay High Court in the case of Bombay Environmental Action Group v.
The State of Maharashtra in 2018 underscored that the destruction of mangroves violates the fundamental rights of citizens guaranteed under Article 21 (Right to life) of the Constitution of India. As a result, it is the mandatory duty of the state and its agencies to protect and preserve mangroves. The court issued several directives, including a complete halt to the destruction and cutting of mangroves, prevention of dumping, and prohibiting constructions within 50 meters of all sides of the mangroves. Moreover, the judgment established that such offenses are punishable under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. This legal precedent represents a significant step towards the safeguarding of mangroves in India.
When confronted with the dilemma of ecology versus development, the court's stance has been observed to lack uniformity. A notable instance is when the Bombay High Court permitted the felling of approximately 22,000 mangrove trees for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train project. This decision highlights the complexity and nuanced nature of balancing environmental conservation with infrastructural development, demonstrating that each case is evaluated on its own merits. Recently, chopping of 350 trees was also allowed for Vadodara-Mumbai expressway.
Actions we must take:
From 1987 to 2019, India has successfully expanded its mangrove cover by a net of 93,000 hectares, marking a significant increase of approximately 25 percent. This achievement ranks as one of the most substantial endeavors in global mangrove restoration. At the state level, Maharashtra's government has demonstrated particular dedication to mangrove conservation by instituting the "Mangrove Cell" and the "Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation."
These initiatives aim to safeguard and revive the mangrove cover within the state. The Maharashtra state government is actively empowering women's groups in various coastal villages to disseminate knowledge about mangroves, their benefits, and to encourage them to take initiatives in eco-tourism. As a result, when tourists visit these villages led by these women, they serve as guides and local advocates, offering valuable insights into how mangroves contribute to the well-being of their village, its inhabitants, and the broader environment.
This dual effort not only advances environmental protection but also creates economic prospects for the local communities. Board of Widlife under the state government of Maharashtra has also declared “Sonneratia alba”, a mangrove tree as the Maharashtra’s state tree. The state government has also established first “Mangrove park” in Gorai. In Karnataka, parallel initiatives have been undertaken to bolster mangrove conservation, establishing tourist attractions in Karwar, Udupi, and Honnavar. Meanwhile, in the coastal state of Kerala, dedicated individuals like P. Rajan and Kallen Pakkudon have played a pivotal role, personally gathering seeds from diverse mangrove species and actively participating in the regeneration of mangroves along Kerala's coastlines.
The current efforts, though commendable, fall short considering the extensive loss of mangroves nationwide. Urgent action is required to safeguard the remaining mangroves through heightened outreach, awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives targeting various stakeholders, particularly emphasizing local involvement. While India does have laws in place for mangrove protection, they can be malleable when development and economic interests are at play.
Hence, community-driven efforts are crucial. It's imperative to recognize the growing accessibility of knowledge regarding sustainable practices within ancestral communities, and their experiences and technical know-how in conserving and sustainably utilizing these ecosystems should be valued and incorporated into conservation efforts. This collective approach is essential in ensuring the long-term vitality of mangrove ecosystems.