During COP27, the climate summit in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, a new initiative named “Mangrove Alliance for Climate” was announced. Spearheaded by the UAE and Indonesia, this alliance is composed of several countries including India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan, and Spain with the objective of spreading global awareness about the significant role of mangroves in mitigating global warming.
The Formation of the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC)
The Mangrove Alliance for Climate is essentially an intergovernmental alliance that operates on a voluntary basis. This implies that there are no stringent checks and balances to ensure members are held accountable. Rather, each participating country will outline its own commitments and deadlines pertaining to the planting and restoration of mangroves. The alliance also extends its scope to sharing expertise and support in research, management, and protection of coastal areas.
Understanding Mangroves: Definition and Features
Mangroves are ecosystems comprising salt-tolerant trees and shrubs that proliferate in the intertidal regions of tropical and subtropical coastlines. Notably, they thrive in environments where seawater mixes with freshwater and where sediment comprises accumulated mud deposits.
Aside from being capable of surviving in high salt and low oxygen conditions, the unique features of mangroves include special roots called pneumatophores that facilitate breathing in such harsh environments. Moreover, mangrove seeds germinate while still attached to the parent tree, subsequently growing into a vegetative structure – a propagule – capable of giving rise to a new plant. This special characteristic is termed viviparous.
Role and Significance of Mangroves
Mangroves serve pivotal ecological functions. They trap and cycle various organic materials, chemical elements, and important nutrients within the coastal ecosystem. Furthermore, they offer habitat and nursery grounds to a wide range of marine organisms, many of which hold recreational or commercial value. In addition, mangroves serve as critical buffers during storms by reducing wind and wave action in shallow shoreline areas.
Global and Indian Mangrove Coverage
As of now, the global mangrove cover stands at approximately 1,50,000 sq kms. South Asia accounts for 6.8% of this total cover, with India’s contribution pegged at 45.8%. The Indian State Forest Report 2021 records the country’s mangrove cover at 4992 sq. Km – only 0.15% of the total geographical area. The largest mangrove forest in the world is found in Sundarbans, West Bengal, subsequently followed by Gujarat and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Challenges in Mangrove Conservation
Mangrove ecosystems face several threats, including commercialization of coastal regions, rise in shrimp farming, fluctuating temperatures, soil-related issues, and excessive human intervention. For instance, aquaculture, industrial activities, rice and palm oil farming have been rapidly replacing these salt-tolerant trees and their supporting ecosystems. Furthermore, oil spills and encroachment by human habitation pose significant risks to mangrove survival.
Initiatives Supporting Mangrove Conservation
Several initiatives promote mangrove conservation, such as the designation of these sites in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites, and UNESCO Global Geoparks. The non-profit organization, International Society for Mangrove Ecosystem (ISME), focuses on enhancing the conservation and sustainable utilization of mangroves. Additionally, initiatives like the Blue Carbon Initiative and the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem aim to highlight the importance of mangroves in mitigating climate change and advocate for their sustainable management.
The Way Forward
The conservation of mangroves requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates community involvement, environmental security, and measures to mitigate risks from natural calamities. Moreover, integrating mangroves into national programs for reducing emissions from deforestation is crucial. Creating a new carbon sink from mangrove forestation and reducing emissions from their deforestation can be effective strategies for nations to meet their NDC targets and achieve carbon neutrality.
