Mangroves: Vital for coastal economies, climate resilience, and sustainable business
Mangroves are crucial for anchoring coastal economies, protecting against climate extremes, and providing billions in ecosystem services, yet their value is often overlooked in policy. The article advocates for recognizing mangroves as active drivers of sustainable growth and security through three pillars: mapping with technology, involving communities, and using platforms. Advanced geospatial AI and drone data can quantify mangrove value, informing restoration efforts. Community-led conservation, leveraging local knowledge, and creating alternative livelihoods like aquaculture and eco-tourism are essential. Engagement platforms like 'Mangrove Mitras' can foster urban citizen and local community involvement, rebuilding the human-wetland-river-mangrove connection.
Key Points
- Mangroves are critical for coastal protection, climate resilience, and supporting livelihoods, providing significant ecosystem services.
- Their economic and ecological value, including carbon sequestration, is often underestimated in policy frameworks.
- Technological advancements like satellite and drone data with AI are crucial for accurate mapping and valuation of mangroves.
- Community involvement, leveraging traditional knowledge, and creating alternative livelihoods (aquaculture, beekeeping, eco-tourism) are vital for conservation.
- Platforms like 'Mangrove Mitras' can engage urban citizens and local communities, fostering a deeper connection and collective action for mangrove conservation.
Exam Facts
- The economic and ecosystem services valuation of mangroves ranges from ₹3,535 million in Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu) to ₹664 billion in the Sundarbans (West Bengal).
- Carbon sequestration in the Sundarbans is valued at ₹462 million per year.
- Madhav Pai is the CEO of WRI India, Soumya Swaminathan is Chair of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, and Sejal Worah is Programme Director of WWF India.
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