The Government of Andhra Pradesh has set in motion an initiative to propose the Godavari Mangroves, colloquially referred to as Mada forests, located within the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (CWLS), as a World Heritage Site. To achieve this aim, the government has constituted a seven-member committee tasked with ensuring that all necessary requirements are met.
The Godavari Mangroves and Their Significance
Reputed as the second largest mangrove forests in India, the Godavari Mangroves have a significant ecological presence. The world’s largest mangrove forest is the Sundarbans in West Bengal. Seamlessly blended in the estuaries of the Godavari and Krishna rivers in the East Godavari district, these mangroves are a sight to behold.
The Biodiversity of the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary
The CWLS, nestled in Andhra Pradesh, is a sanctuary to numerous threatened and endangered species. These include the fishing cat, otter, jackal, sea turtles, sea gull, pelican, stork, heron, snipes, and flamingos, among others. Additionally, the sanctuary encompasses the Hope Island, a naturally formed stretch of sand amid the sea, renowned for its immense biodiversity.
One of the sanctuary’s most remarkable features is a nesting site for Olive Ridley Sea Turtles. Every year, between January and March, these turtles make their way to the sanctuary to nest. Should the sanctuary receive the sought-after heritage site tag, it will open the doors for UNESCO to aid in developing tourism and protecting the local wildlife.
The Role of Mangroves
Mangroves, found primarily in inter-tidal zones along the coasts of tropical and subtropical countries, serve multiple ecological purposes. These include the growth of woody trees, providing food and habitat for fin-fish and shellfish, offering sanctuaries to birds and other precious fauna, shielding coastlines, and accumulating sediment to create new land.
India’s Mangrove Statistics
According to the India State of Forest Report 2017, India is home to around 3.3% of the world’s mangrove vegetation.
| Location of Godavari Mangroves | Status as a Wildlife Sanctuary | Rarity of Species | Global Mangrove Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh, India | Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary | Olive Ridley Sea Turtles, among others | 3.3% |
The Potential Impact of World Heritage Status
The attainment of World Heritage Site status opens up avenues for the CWLS and Godavari Mangroves. Such a tag not only carries a significant level of prestige, but it can also lead to both local and global recognition. Such recognition can stimulate the development of tourism, creating economic opportunities for the local communities residing near these natural wonders. It will also serve as an incentive for further conservation efforts of the rich and diverse ecosystem within the mangroves, ensuring that these invaluable natural resources are protected for future generations.
