The Importance and Evolution of Mangrove Conservation
Initially, the value of mangroves was recognized mainly by local communities for their roles in fisheries and livelihoods. However, their significance has broadened to include disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.
Historical Initiatives and Influential Figures
- In 1989, M.S. Swaminathan advocated for mangroves in climate change management, predicting threats like salinisation and cyclones.
- His advocacy led to the establishment of the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in 1990, where he served as the first president.
- Swaminathan co-created the Charter for Mangroves, a foundational document for global mangrove conservation.
ISME's Contributions
- Conducted economic and environmental assessments of mangroves.
- Organized workshops and published restoration manuals and atlases, changing perceptions about mangroves from wastelands to valuable ecosystems.
- Developed the Global Mangrove Database and Information System (GLOMIS) for expert and research documentation.
National Impact in India
India has a long history of mangrove management but faced challenges due to colonial-era practices. The enactment of the Indian Forest (Conservation) Act in 1980 marked a shift in management strategies.
- The fishbone canal method was developed for effective mangrove restoration.
- This method evolved into the Joint Mangrove Management program, promoting participatory conservation efforts.
- The protective role of mangroves during the 1999 Odisha super cyclone and the 2004 tsunami highlighted their importance.
Current Status and Statistics
As of the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India's mangrove cover is 4,991.68 km², a 16.68 km² increase since 2019. This represents 0.15% of the country's geographical area.
