MANGROVES

TAG: GS:2- ENVIRONMENTAL & ECOLOGY

CONTEXT: Researchers from India studied 13 mangrove species from Kerala and found that the estimated maximum leaf temperatures were higher than the surrounding air temperatures.

EXPLANATION:

What are Mangroves?

  • Mangroves are a unique type of coastal ecosystem found in tropical and subtropical regions. They are dense forests of salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that thrive in intertidal zones, where land meets the sea.
  • These ecosystems are characterized by their ability to withstand harsh conditions, such as saline water, tidal fluctuations, and muddy, oxygen-poor soils.
    • Mangrove plants have special roots like prop roots and pneumatophores, which help impede water flow and provide support in the challenging tidal environment.

Mangrove Cover in India:

  • According to the Indian State Forest Report 2021, Mangrove cover in India is 4992 sq. Km which is 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
  • Sundarbans in West Bengal are the largest mangrove forest regions in the world. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Besides the Sundarbans, the Andamans region, the Kachchh and Jamnagar areas in Gujarat too have substantial mangrove cover.

Significance:

  • Biodiversity Conservation:Mangroves provide a unique habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, serving as breeding, nursery, and feeding grounds for numerous marine and terrestrial organisms.
    • For example, sundarban hosts the Royal Bengal tiger, Irrawady Dolphin, Rhesus macaque, Leopard cats, Small Indian civet.
  • Coastal Protection:Mangroves act as natural buffers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis.
    • Their dense root systems and tangled network of prop roots stabilize shorelines and reduce the impact of waves and currents.
    • During hurricanes and cyclones, mangroves can absorb and dissipate a significant amount of energy, protecting inland areas and human settlements from devastating damage.
  • Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves are highly efficient carbon sinks, sequestering large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass and sediments.
  • Fisheries and Livelihoods:Mangroves support fisheries by providing nursery areas for fish and shellfish, enhancing fishery productivity and contributing to livelihood and local food security.
  • Water Quality Improvement: Mangroves act as natural filters, trapping and removing pollutants and excess nutrients from coastal waters before they reach the open ocean.
    • Their role in purifying water contributes to the health of marine ecosystems and helps maintain the balance of fragile coastal ecosystems.
  • Tourism and Recreation:Mangroves offer recreational opportunities such as eco-tourism, birdwatching, kayaking, and nature-based activities, which can promote sustainable economic growth for local communities.

Challenges:

  • Habitat Destruction and Fragmentation:Mangroves are often cleared for various purposes, including agriculture, urbanization, aquaculture, and infrastructure development.
    • Such activities lead to the fragmentation and loss of mangrove habitats, disrupting their ecosystem functioning and biodiversity.
    • The conversion of mangroves into shrimp farms and other commercial uses is a significant concern.
  • Climate Change and Sea Level Rise:Rising sea levels due to climate change pose a significant threat to mangroves.
    • Climate change also brings about extreme weather events, such as cyclones and storms, which can cause severe damage to mangrove forests.
  • Pollution and Contamination:Pollution from agricultural runoff, industrial discharges, and improper waste disposal contaminate mangrove habitats.
    • Heavy metals, plastics, and other pollutants adversely affect the flora and fauna of these ecosystems.
  • Lack of Integrated Management: Often, mangroves are managed in isolation, without considering their interconnectedness with adjacent ecosystems like coral reefs and seagrass beds.
    • Integrated management approaches that consider the broader coastal ecosystem are necessary for effective conservation.

Government Initiatives Related to Mangrove Conservation:

  • MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
  • Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystem (SAIME) initiative

 

Source:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/forests/mangroves-exhibit-exceptional-heat-resilience-study-reveals

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