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Topic : State of the World’s Mangroves, 2024 Report

GS-3 Mains  : Economy

Context:

• Released by Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) on World Mangrove Day (26 July).

Key Findings:

• Distribution: Southeast Asia leads with 33.6% global mangrove cover, Indonesia holds 21%.
• Threats: Indonesia, Brazil, Mexico facing significant losses. Lakshadweep and Tamil Nadu mangroves critically endangered.
• Loss Causes: Aquaculture, oil palm, rice cultivation account for 43% loss (2000-2020). Shrimp farms major culprit.

Mangroves:

• Small trees/shrubs in coastal saline sediments.
• Flowering plants (Rhizophoraceae, Acanthaceae, Lythraceae, Combretaceae, Arecaceae).
• Adaptations:
  • Saline environment: roots filter 90% salt.
  • Low oxygen: roots absorb atmospheric oxygen.
  • Freshwater storage: thick succulent leaves.
  • Viviparous: seeds germinate on parent tree (propagules).
• India: Sundarbans (largest, UNESCO World Heritage), Bhitarkanika (second largest, Ramsar site).

Importance:

• Natural barriers against storms, floods, sea-level rise.
• Diverse habitat for organisms.
• Carbon storage powerhouses.
• Livelihood sources.

Steps Taken:

• India:
  • MISHTI Programme: protects/revives mangroves, improves livelihoods.
  • Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs scheme.
• Global:
  • Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA): aims to expand mangrove cover by 20% till 2030.
  • Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC): led by UAE, Indonesia (India member), focuses on mangroves and climate change.