Mangrove Forests in India

The mangrove forests in India thrive along coastal areas influenced by tides. These coastal regions include the deltas of major rivers like the Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri. Sundari trees, known for their resilient timber, dominate the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, while other trees like palm, coconut, keora, and agar can be found in specific areas.

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Table of Content

• Mangroves
• Types of mangroves
• Characteristics of mangrove forest
• Global Mangrove Ecosystem
• Mangrove Ecosystem in India
• Faunal diversity of the mangrove ecosystem
• Economic value of Mangrove Forest
• MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
• Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC)
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Mangroves

• Meaning: Mangroves are trees that grow in tropical and subtropical coastal areas.
• Mangrove forests are found in sheltered low-lying coasts, estuaries, mudflats, tidal creeks, backwaters, marshes, and lagoons.
• Mangroves are distributed over the east and west coasts of India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Mangroves are an example of an ecotone, which is a transitional area between two ecosystems.
• Mangroves provide a variety of benefits, including:
  • Protection from storms and erosion
  • Habitat for fish and other marine life
  • Source of food and medicine
  • Carbon sequestration

Types of mangroves

Riverine mangroves

• They grow along coastal rivers, receiving both river water and tidal influence.
• Moderate salinity and periodic dryness characterize these productive mangroves.

Fringing mangroves

• Found along protected shorelines, canals, and lagoons.
• They are exposed to daily tides but receive less terrestrial runoff.
• Prop roots and debris accumulation are common in these open locations.

Basin mangroves

• Occur in depressions behind fringe mangroves and stagnant or slowly flowing areas.
• Pneumatophores cover the ground surface, and trees reach heights of about 50 feet.

Scrub or Dwarf mangroves

• Small mangroves in low-nutrient and limited freshwater wetlands.
• Dominated by scattered, short trees.

Overwashed mangroves

• They are frequently washed islands by tides.
• The red mangrove is the dominant species, and the community reaches a height of 25 feet.

Characteristics of mangrove forest

• Diverse mix of trees and shrubs in the forests.
• Plants are adapted to high salinity (halophytic).
• Resistant to tidal impacts.
• Tolerant of high temperatures.
• Root systems include pneumatophores (aerial roots) for aeration.

Global Mangrove Ecosystem

• The global mangrove cover spans approximately 150,000 square kilometres in total.
• Among the continents, Asia boasts the highest abundance of mangroves.
  • South Asia: it accounts for 6.8% of the global mangrove cover.
• India: it alone contributes to 45.8% of the total mangrove cover in South Asia.

Mangrove Ecosystem in India

• Mangrove tidal forests can thrive in coastal areas influenced by tides, where mud and silt gradually accumulate.
• These coasts are home to dense mangrove vegetation, characterized by plants with submerged roots.
• The deltas of major rivers like the Ganga, Mahanadi, Krishna, Godavari, and Kaveri are adorned with such flourishing greenery.
• Within the Ganga-Brahmaputra delta, Sundari trees stand tall, known for their resilient and sturdy timber.
• Additionally, various other trees such as palm, coconut, keora, and agar can be found in certain parts of the delta.
• Notably, the Royal Bengal Tiger is an iconic inhabitant of these forests, while turtles, crocodiles, gharials, and snakes also contribute to the diverse ecosystem.

Mangrove forest data in India

• West Bengal (WB) has 42.45% of India’s mangrove cover.
  • South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal alone accounts for 41.85% mangrove cover of the country.
• WB is followed by Gujarat at 23.66% and Andaman & Nicobar Islands at 12.39%.

Faunal diversity of the mangrove ecosystem

• The mangrove ecosystem in India exhibits remarkable faunal diversity, accounting for approximately 5% of the country’s fauna.
• When it comes to faunal components, West Bengal takes the lead with around 2,500 species. Following by Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1200 species), and Tamil Nadu (1000 species).
• For instance, within the Sundarban Tiger Reserve, one can find a population of over 100 tigers, along with a diverse array of carnivores and herbivores.

Economic value of Mangrove Forest

• Fuel wood: Mangrove wood is preferred for its high calorific value and is used as fuel by coastal communities.
• Food: Certain mangrove species like Avicennia marina, Bruguiera parviflora, Rhizophora apiculata, and Acrostichum aureum are used as animal feed.
• Timber: Mangrove woods are not commonly used for timber, except for Avicennia species which are used in construction and carpentry.
• Charcoal: Rhizophora species are preferred for charcoal production, along with Bruguiera, Sonneratia, and Ceriops species.
• Poles: Sonneratia caseolaris and other mangrove trees are widely used as poles for construction and fish net support.
• Thatching material and sugary syrup: Nypa fruticans provide thatching material and can yield sugary sap for syrup, alcohol, and vinegar production.
• Construction material: Phoenix paludosa stems are used for constructing huts, fencing, and walkways in mangrove areas.
• Tannin: Mangrove barks, particularly from Rhizophora species, are sources of high-quality tannin for commercial extraction.
• Driftwood and carpentry: Driftwood and small wood pieces from mangroves are in high demand for showpieces, leading to the development of the driftwood and carpentry industry.
• Pulp and paper: Excoecaria agallocha, Sonneratia caseolaris, and Avicennia marina are utilized in the pulp and paper industries.

MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)

• MISHTI, an intensive afforestation initiative, has been established to focus on the restoration of coastal mangrove forests.
• Operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, its primary objective is to facilitate mangrove plantations along the nation’s coastline, including suitable areas such as salt pans.
• The implementation of MISHTI involves a collaborative effort between various entities, including the MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority) Fund, and additional funding sources. This convergence of resources allows for the effective execution of the initiative.

Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC)

• Purpose: To enhance and expedite the protection and revival of mangrove ecosystems.
• Introduced during the COP27 Conference held in Egypt.
• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia are spearheading this effort.
  • In addition, five other nations—India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan, and Spain—have united with the alliance.
• Goals: To promote awareness regarding the significance of mangroves as a nature-based solution to address climate change, and strive towards expanding and rehabilitating mangrove forests globally.
• MCI will operate on a voluntary basis.
• Member countries can establish their own commitments for planting and revitalizing mangrove ecosystems.

Conclusion

The mangrove forests are an important part of biodiversity in India, species such as the Royal Bengal Tiger is an iconic inhabitants of these forests, while turtles, crocodiles, gharials, and snakes are also part of this tidal ecosystem. Protecting mangrove forests is not just important because of their economic value but also because of their faunal diversity.

Ref: Source-1

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)