Why in the News?

World Mangrove Day was observed on July 26, highlighting the ecological importance of mangroves in climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and biodiversity conservation. The occasion also recalled the pioneering role of M.S. Swaminathan in promoting mangrove conservation through initiatives like the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), GLOMIS, and the fishbone canal method of restoration.

What was M.S. Swaminathan’s contribution to mangrove conservation?

• Pioneered Climate Adaptation through Mangroves: As early as 1989, he advocated using mangroves for climate resilience in coastal areas.
• Introduced Genetic Solutions: Proposed developing salinity-tolerant crops (e.g., rice) using mangrove genes, linking biodiversity with food security.
• Established Global Collaboration: Played a key role in founding the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in 1990, promoting global knowledge exchange.
• Framed the Charter for Mangroves: Co-authored the Charter for Mangroves, which was later included in the World Charter for Nature (1992) by the UN.
• Led Community-Based Restoration in India: Through the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), he championed community-led mangrove restoration, blending science with traditional knowledge.

Why is the ‘fishbone canal’ method important for mangrove restoration?

• Enhances Tidal Water Flow: The method mimics the natural branching pattern of rivers, allowing tidal waters to penetrate deep into degraded mangrove areas. Eg: In Tamil Nadu’s Pichavaram, fishbone canals revived previously stagnant mangrove zones, promoting natural seed dispersal.

• Facilitates Natural Regeneration: By improving hydrology, it creates conditions suitable for natural mangrove seedling establishment without extensive manual planting. Eg: In Odisha’s Bhitarkanika, the method led to spontaneous growth of native mangrove species.

• Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly: Compared to large-scale planting, this method is less resource-intensive and preserves ecosystem integrity.

How have initiatives reshaped mangrove management globally and in India?

• Shift Toward Community-Based Conservation: Focus has moved from government-led to community-driven models, recognising local knowledge and stakeholder participation. Eg: In West Bengal’s Sundarbans, Joint Forest Management Committees have empowered local communities to protect and sustainably harvest mangrove resources.

• Integration with Climate Resilience Strategies: Mangroves are now seen as vital for disaster risk reduction and carbon sequestration, integrating them into climate adaptation policies. Eg: Indonesia’s “Mangroves for Coastal Resilience” project linked mangrove conservation with coastal protection and blue carbon goals.

• Technological Interventions and Scientific Planning: Use of GIS mapping, remote sensing, and hydrological modelling has made restoration more precise and scalable. Eg: In Andhra Pradesh, the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project used satellite data to identify degraded mangrove areas for targeted restoration.

How did India’s mangrove policy evolve post-1980, especially after major disasters?

• Inclusion in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules (1991): After growing awareness in the 1980s, mangroves were declared ecologically sensitive areas under the CRZ Notification, restricting commercial exploitation.
• Post-2004 Tsunami Focus on Bio-shields: The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami highlighted mangroves’ role in coastal protection, leading to their integration into disaster risk reduction and coastal zone management policies.
• Enhanced Funding and Mapping (Post-2005): The government launched dedicated schemes like the National Coastal Mission and promoted remote sensing-based mapping to monitor and restore degraded mangrove forests.

What is the role of ISME and GLOMIS in mangrove conservation?

• Global Knowledge Sharing and Networking: ISME facilitates international collaboration, training, and research exchange among scientists, policymakers, and communities working on mangroves.

• Scientific Data Management through GLOMIS: GLOMIS, developed by ISME, acts as a comprehensive database of mangrove-related information, including species data, restoration projects, and GIS mapping—supporting evidence-based conservation.

• Technical Support and Capacity Building: ISME provides technical assistance to countries and organisations for sustainable mangrove management, including planning, policy input, and restoration techniques.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Community-Based Restoration: Empower local communities through training, sustainable livelihood support, and participation in restoration using techniques like the ‘fishbone canal’ method for greater ecological success.
• Leverage Technology and Global Networks: Use remote sensing, GIS, and platforms like GLOMIS for monitoring mangrove health, while collaborating with international bodies like ISME to adopt best global practices.

Mains PYQ:

[UPSC 2019] Discuss the causes of depletion of mangroves and explain their importance in maintaining coastal ecology.

Linkage: This question is directly and explicitly about mangroves, focusing on two key aspects: their depletion and their importance in maintaining coastal ecology. The fact that such a detailed question appeared in the examination signifies the recognized environmental importance and public awareness surrounding mangroves. A scientist’s work to popularize mangroves would logically contribute to this level of public and academic interest.

Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024

Attend Now