What is Mangrove? A mangrove is a salt-tolerant plant community found in tropical and subtropical intertidal regions. These ecosystems thrive in high-rainfall areas (1,000–3,000 mm) with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 35°C. Mangrove species are adapted to survive in waterlogged soils, high salinity, and frequent tidal surges. They serve as crucial biodiversity refuges and act as bio-shields against extreme climatic events. Additionally, rural populations depend on mangroves for biomass-based livelihoods. Importance of Mangrove Mangroves provide critical habitat covering tropical coasts in more than 100 countries. Nursery for fish, crabs, and other marine wildlife Filter for sediments, protecting coral reefs Habitat for birds, bees, snakes, and other terrestrial fauna Mangrove forests shield communities from extreme weather events and provide livelihoods. As per World Wildlife Fund mangroves store 7.5–10 times more carbon per acre than tropical forests. Their loss contributes to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions from deforestation. These coastal forests hold over 21 gigatons of carbon, 87% of which is locked in the soil beneath their roots. Restoring just 1.6 million acres of lost mangrove forests could capture an additional 1 gigaton of carbon. Mangroves in India As per the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR-2023), India’s total mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 sq. km, constituting 0.15% of the nation’s geographical area. There has been net increase of 363.68 Sq.km (7.86%) in Mangrove cover area of the country in 2023 as compared to 2013 and net increase of 509.68 Sq.km (11.4%) between 2001 and 2023. West Bengal holds the largest share of the country's mangrove forests, accounting for 42.45% of the total cover, followed by Gujarat (23.32%) and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (12.19%). Notably, Gujarat has recorded an impressive increase of 253.06 sq. km in mangrove cover between 2001 and 2023, attributed to large-scale plantations, community participation, and public-private partnerships. Mangrove conservation Key Regulatory Measures India has implemented a series of stringent legal frameworks to ensure mangrove protection: Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, categorises mangroves as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), restricting activities within a 50-metre buffer zone where mangrove cover exceeds 1,000 sq. m. Mandates compensatory replantation at a 3:1 ratio if mangroves are affected by development. Additional protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, Indian Forest Act, 1927, and Biological Diversity Act, 2002, among others. Key Promotional Initiatives and Achievements Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI): Launched on 5 June 2023 to promote restoration and afforestation across 540 sq. km in 11 coastal States and 2 Union Territories. Implementation through convergence funding with the National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). For FY 2024–25, Rs 17.96 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Puducherry for the treatment and restoration of 3,836 hectares of degraded mangroves. National Coastal Mission Conservation of Mangroves and Coral Reefs: Financial assistance for the conservation of 38 mangrove sites and 4 coral reef sites across the country. Operates on a 60:40 cost-sharing model between the Centre and States. Rs 8.58 crore released to seven coastal States during 2021–23 for mangrove conservation. GCF-ECRICC Project (Green Climate Fund – Enhancing Coastal Resilience of Indian Coastal Community) Active since 2019 in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha. Aims to restore and conserve 10,575 hectares of mangroves. As of 2024, 3,114.29 hectares have been successfully restored. Source : PIB