Importance of mangroves - UPSC Environment Notes

Mangrove ecosystems provide robust protection to coastlines by mitigating erosion caused by storm surges, currents, waves, and tides.
The unique and intricate root system of mangroves creates a sheltering environment, fostering an ecologically benign space for various organisms, particularly in the Sunderbans, which stands as the world’s largest mangrove forest with extensive species diversity.
This biodiversity hotspot encompasses 180 tree and plant species thriving in its marshy expanse, hosting a diverse array of wildlife such as the Gangetic dolphin, estuarine crocodiles, river terrapins, hawksbill turtles, horseshoe crabs, and the renowned Bengal tiger.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Sunderbans are not only a crucial carbon sink in South Asia but also play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration, contributing significantly to climate management.
Beyond their ecological significance, mangroves serve as the primary defense against cyclones and rising sea levels, acting as the first line of protection.
Additionally, they provide multifaceted support to coastal communities, further underlining their indispensable role in maintaining the ecological balance and safeguarding coastal regions.

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Tsunami and Mangroves: A Case Study

The Pichavaram mangrove forest stands as a resilient shield, safeguarding adjacent hamlets—T.S.Pettai, Vadakku Pichavaram, Therkku Pichavaram, Meenavar Colony, MGR Nagar, and Kalaingar Nagar—from the devastating impact of a tsunami.
These hamlets, comprising approximately 1228 families and a total population of about 6191, lie within a proximity of 100 meters to 1000 meters from the mangroves.
The mangroves played a crucial role in averting the wrath of the tsunami, ensuring no seawater intrusion and preventing property losses in these villages.
While the tsunami resulted in the uprooting of mangrove trees in rows situated close to the sea, the damage was contained within this boundary.
The mangrove forest’s effectiveness in mitigating the impact can be attributed to two key factors.
First, the velocity of the tsunami water significantly decreased upon entering the mangroves, thanks to the friction created by the dense mangrove forest.
Second, the volume of water reaching specific points was greatly reduced, as the tsunami water, upon entering the mangroves, dispersed into the numerous canals and creeks that crisscross the entire mangrove area.
A tragic incident occurred as four women from MGR Nagar, who were fishing near the sea, lost their lives as they were washed away by the tsunami.
However, the overall protection provided by the mangroves was evident in the minimal loss of life and property within the hamlets.
Fishers who had initially been in the nearby sea wisely moved into the mangrove waters upon witnessing the approaching colossal waves, experiencing firsthand the life-saving impact of the mangrove forest.
In reflecting on the event, one fisher aptly remarked, “We saved the mangroves by restoring them, and it saved our lives and property by protecting us from the colossal waves.”

This case study underscores the invaluable role mangrove ecosystems can play in reducing the impact of natural disasters and safeguarding coastal communities.

SIGNIFICANCE OF MANGROVES: A Comprehensive Overview

Mangroves play a pivotal role in supporting diverse ecosystems and offering numerous benefits to both the environment and human communities:

Breeding and Nesting Sites:

Mangroves serve as crucial nesting and breeding sites for fish, shellfish, migratory birds, and sea turtles.
Approximately 80% of the global fish catch relies directly or indirectly on mangrove forests, emphasizing their importance to coastal fishing communities.

Coastal Protection:

Coastal areas with a robust mangrove cover are shielded from the impacts of sea level rise and intense weather events caused by climate change.
Mangroves act as a natural bioshield, reducing the impact of cyclonic storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis on human lives and properties.

Carbon Sequestration:

Mangroves are highly efficient carbon sinks, isolating carbon at a rate two to four times greater than tropical forests like the Amazon.
They store three to five times more carbon per equivalent area than tropical forests, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation.

Economic and Livelihood Support:

Mangrove areas are utilized for various purposes such as timber, mining, agriculture, and human settlements.
Previously used for commercial shrimp farming, mangrove areas are now recognized as unsustainable for such practices.

Soil Erosion Control:

Mangroves play a crucial role in controlling and reducing soil erosion along coastlines.

Fishery Productivity:

Mangroves enhance fishery productivity by serving as nursery grounds for commercially important fish, prawns, and crabs.
They supply essential organic and inorganic nutrients to adjacent coastal waters.

Biodiversity and Habitat:

Mangroves boast rich biodiversity, providing habitats for a wide range of species, from insects and mollusks to fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The Sundarbans, with vast mangroves, hosts the world’s largest intact tiger population.

Adaptation to Sea Level Rise:

The intricate and structured roots of mangroves trap sediments and organic debris, helping them adapt to sea level rise and promoting climate-resilient coasts.

Diverse Ecosystem:

Mangroves create diverse ecosystems, combining terrestrial and marine species in a single habitat.
They offer shelter and serve as nurseries for offshore species, contributing to the overall health and diversity of coastal ecosystems.

Nurturing Biodiversity:

As nursery grounds, mangroves nurture and nourish biodiversity, supporting the growth and development of many coastal and marine species.

The multi-dimensional contributions of mangroves highlight their irreplaceable role in sustaining ecological balance, protecting coastlines, and supporting the livelihoods of both wildlife and human communities.

FAQs- Mangrove Ecosystems and Significance

1. Why are mangrove ecosystems essential for coastal protection?

Mangrove ecosystems act as a robust defense against erosion caused by storm surges, waves, currents, and tides.
The intricate root system of mangroves creates a sheltering environment, providing an ecologically benign space for various organisms.

2. What makes the Sunderbans unique in the world of mangrove forests?

The Sunderbans is the world’s largest mangrove forest, exhibiting extensive species diversity.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it houses 180 tree and plant species and diverse wildlife, including the Gangetic dolphin, Bengal tiger, and estuarine crocodiles.

3. How do mangroves contribute to carbon sequestration and climate management?

Mangroves are highly efficient carbon sinks, isolating carbon two to four times faster than tropical forests like the Amazon.
They store three to five times more carbon per equivalent area than tropical forests, making a significant contribution to climate change mitigation.

4. Can mangroves protect coastal areas from cyclones and rising sea levels?

Yes, mangroves serve as the first line of defense against cyclones and rising sea levels.
They act as a natural bioshield, reducing the impact of cyclonic storms, hurricanes, and tsunamis on human lives and properties.

5. How did the Pichavaram mangrove forest protect adjacent hamlets during the tsunami?

The Pichavaram mangrove forest shielded hamlets from tsunami impacts by reducing the velocity of the tsunami water through its dense forest.
The volume of water reaching specific points was also significantly reduced as the water dispersed into numerous canals and creeks within the mangroves.

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Importance of mangroves – UPSC Environment Notes