Climate Resilience of Sundarbans Mangroves

The Sundarbans, spanning India and Bangladesh, are the largest mangrove forests globally. They serve as important ecosystem, providing habitat for diverse wildlife and acting as a natural barrier against cyclones. A recent study indicates that despite threats from natural and human-induced factors, these mangroves display remarkable resilience. This resilience is very important for their survival and the environment.

What Are Mangroves?

• Mangroves are unique trees that thrive in saline coastal environments.
• They grow in the intertidal zones where freshwater from rivers meets salty seawater.
• The Sundarbans are located in the delta formed by the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
• This unique positioning allows mangroves to adapt to fluctuating salinity levels.

Importance of Mangroves

• Mangroves support biodiversity by providing habitat for endangered species like the Bengal tiger and Irrawaddy river dolphin.
• They also act as nurseries for about 90% of aquatic species along India’s east coast.
• Moreover, mangroves play role in carbon sequestration, absorbing carbon dioxide at rates much higher than terrestrial forests.

Recent Study Overview

The study titled ‘Resilience of Sundarban mangroves in South Asia to Weather Extremes and Anthropogenic Water Pollution’ was conducted by researchers from several prestigious institutions. It focused on the health of mangroves by examining their nutrient profiles and responses to environmental stressors over a period from 2013 to 2015.

Key Findings of the Study

The study revealed that mangroves can recover from extreme weather events within one to two weeks. They maintain stable productivity even amidst declining nutrient levels due to pollution. The researchers observed that mangroves adapt their interactions with environmental factors to cope with stress.

Link Strength and Memory in Mangroves

Mangroves possess a complex network of roots and shared nutrients. This interconnectedness enhances their resilience. The concept of “memory” in plants refers to their ability to remember past stress responses, which helps them adapt to future challenges.

Significance of Findings

The findings tell the resilience of the Sundarbans but also highlight limits to this self-repair capability. About these limits is essential for developing strategies to protect mangroves. The research calls for further examination of how mangroves can resist both natural and anthropogenic stressors.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the ecological significance of mangrove forests in coastal regions.
2. Critically examine the role of mangroves in carbon sequestration and its impact on climate change.
3. Explain the concept of ecosystem resilience with suitable examples from the Sundarbans.
4. Comment on the anthropogenic threats faced by mangrove ecosystems and their implications for biodiversity.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the ecological significance of mangrove forests in coastal regions.

1. Mangrove forests provide critical habitat for diverse species, including endangered wildlife like the Bengal tiger.
2. They act as natural barriers against coastal erosion and storm surges, protecting inland areas from cyclones.
3. Mangroves serve as nurseries for approximately 90% of aquatic species along the coast, supporting fisheries and marine biodiversity.
4. They play a vital role in water filtration, improving water quality by trapping sediments and pollutants.
5. Mangroves contribute to carbon sequestration, absorbing carbon dioxide more effectively than terrestrial forests, thus mitigating climate change.

2. Critically examine the role of mangroves in carbon sequestration and its impact on climate change.

1. Mangroves can sequester carbon at rates up to five times higher than terrestrial forests due to their unique physiology and environment.
2. They store carbon in their biomass (roots, stems, leaves) and in the sediment below, effectively reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
3. The high carbon density of mangroves enhances their role in combating global warming and climate change effects.
4. Protection of mangrove ecosystems is crucial as their degradation releases stored carbon back into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate issues.
5. Conservation and restoration of mangroves can be a nature-based solution to climate change, providing dual benefits for biodiversity and carbon management.

3. Explain the concept of ecosystem resilience with suitable examples from the Sundarbans.

1. Ecosystem resilience refers to the ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances while maintaining its essential functions and structure.
2. The Sundarbans mangroves have demonstrated resilience by quickly recovering from extreme weather events like cyclones within one to two weeks.
3. Despite declining nutrient levels due to pollution, mangroves maintain stable productivity by adapting their interactions with environmental factors.
4. The interconnected root systems of mangroves enhance their resilience by sharing resources and stress responses among plants.
5. This resilience is critical for sustaining biodiversity and ecosystem services in the face of climate change and human pressures.

4. Comment on the anthropogenic threats faced by mangrove ecosystems and their implications for biodiversity.

1. Anthropogenic threats include coastal development, pollution, deforestation, and climate change, which severely impact mangrove health.
2. Pollution from agricultural runoff and urban waste leads to declining nutrient composition, affecting mangrove productivity and health.
3. Coastal development disrupts habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity and threatening species that rely on mangroves for survival.
4. Climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events, putting additional stress on mangrove ecosystems and their ability to recover.
5. The decline of mangroves due to these threats can result in loss of biodiversity, diminished fish stocks, and reduced coastal protection, impacting local communities and economies.