Mangroves: The Green Wall Against Climate Change
✍️ By Suryavanshi IAS
Topic: Environment, Climate Adaptation, Biodiversity, Coastal Security, and Policy Reforms
🔰 Introduction: From Marshland to Ecological Marvel
Once considered wastelands suitable only for land reclamation or shrimp farming, mangrove forests are now recognized as a cornerstone of coastal ecosystems, disaster resilience, and climate change mitigation. These forests act as natural shields protecting coastal populations from cyclones and tsunamis, serve as carbon sinks (blue carbon), and support rich biodiversity and livelihoods.
The visionary contributions of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s green revolution, have played a transformative role in placing mangroves at the center of global and national environmental policy.
📜 Background: A Shift in Perception
Until the late 1980s, the ecological and economic value of mangroves was known primarily to coastal communities. A turning point came in 1989, when Dr. Swaminathan addressed the "Climate Change and Human Responses" conference in Tokyo. He emphasized:
“Rising sea levels will lead to the salinization of land and water, threatening food security and livelihoods. Mangroves are our first line of defense.”
This marked the beginning of mainstreaming mangrove ecosystems in the climate change and disaster risk discourse.
🌍 Global Leadership: ISME and the Mangrove Charter
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In 1990, Dr. Swaminathan founded the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME) in Okinawa, Japan, and served as its first President.
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He co-authored the "Charter for Mangroves", later incorporated into the UN World Charter for Nature (1992) at the Rio Earth Summit.
Major Initiatives by ISME:
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World Mangrove Atlas
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Manual on Mangrove Ecosystem Restoration
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Workshops on Sustainable Mangrove Use
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Economic valuation of mangrove ecosystems
These efforts helped reframe mangroves from “muddy, mosquito-ridden land” to “multifunctional natural infrastructure” essential for coastal resilience and blue economy.
🧪 Scientific Innovation: Databases and Genetic Research
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Under Dr. Swaminathan’s guidance, ISME launched GLOMIS (Global Mangrove Database and Information System) — a central repository on mangrove species, scientists, and ecosystems.
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Research was initiated on salinity-tolerant genes in mangroves, aiming to develop climate-resilient crops (like salt-tolerant rice).
In 1992, a network of 23 Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres was established across nine countries — today these are maintained as protected areas by respective governments.
🇮🇳 India’s Policy Turnaround: MSSRF and Participatory Models
🔍 Problem:
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From colonial times until the 1980s, India followed a “clear-felling” model — large-scale deforestation of mangroves for agriculture and development.
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Restoration attempts failed, and communities were blamed.
🔬 Solution:
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M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) collaborated with forest departments in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal.
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Introduced the “fishbone canal method” — a hydro-ecological approach to restore water flow and natural regeneration.
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This led to the Joint Mangrove Management Programme, endorsed by the Ministry of Environment in 2000 for nationwide replication.
🌀 Natural Disasters: Mangroves as First Responders
The critical role of mangroves was highlighted during:
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The 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone
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The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
In both disasters, areas with dense mangrove cover recorded significantly lower death tolls and property damage, earning mangroves the reputation of being “nature’s barrier”.
📈 Current Status: Gains on the Ground
According to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023:
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India’s mangrove cover is 4,991.68 sq. km, or 0.15% of the country’s geographical area.
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Compared to ISFR 2019, there has been a net increase of 16.68 sq. km.
➡️ This reflects the success of policy reforms, community engagement, and scientific restoration.
🧭 UPSC Relevance
| GS Paper | Relevance |
|---|---|
| GS Paper III | Environmental Conservation, Biodiversity, Disaster Management, Climate Change |
| GS Paper II | International Agreements, Institutions (ISME, UNCED), Governance |
| Essay Paper | Topics like “Nature as Protector”, “Ecological Justice”, “Sustainable Development” |
| Prelims | Current Affairs, Environment Acts, ISFR 2023, GLOMIS, Blue Carbon |
📝 Mains Practice Questions
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“Mangroves are not just ecological assets but strategic infrastructure.” Discuss in the context of coastal security and climate resilience.
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Critically examine the role of M.S. Swaminathan in transforming mangrove policy in India.
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What is the role of community-based approaches in mangrove conservation? Substantiate with Indian examples.
🔚 Conclusion: Green Walls, Stronger Nation
Mangroves are no longer neglected marshlands — they are living walls of protection, biodiversity hubs, and a climate solution.
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s legacy has shown that science, policy, and people must align to safeguard our coastal future.
India must continue to invest in restoration, research, and resilience — because protecting mangroves means protecting lives, livelihoods, and the planet.
📘 Brought to you by Suryavanshi IAS — empowering aspirants with ecological insight for a sustainable tomorrow.
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