Mangroves gets a Budget push

Mangroves gets a Budget push

News: Recently, Union Budget 2023-24 announced an initiative for Mangrove plantation under MISHTI (Mangroves Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes)

What are Mangroves?
 They are salt tolerant trees and shrubs that flourish in intertidal areas of tropical and subtropical regions.
 According to India State of Forest Report (2021), Mangrove cover is 0.15% of country’s total geographical area.
 Top states/UT with Mangrove cover are – WB > Gujarat > Andaman and Nicobar Islands > Andhra Pradesh
 The MISHTI scheme seeks to increase mangrove plantation along the coast lines and on salt pan fields. 

Importance of Mangrove Cover
o Imp source of non-timber forest products for coastal community
o Honey, Gum, Fodder, Fire wood
o Protect Shoreline against erosion caused by wind and water currents
o Mitigate impact of cyclones and Tsunamis
o Carbon Sink
o Preferred shelter for fishermen during strong wind and water currents
o Socio-economic security of Coastal Areas
o Their dense roots help bind and build soils

Therefore, Significance of MISHTI scheme is in line with India’s NDC of creation of additional sink of 2.5 – 3 Billion tonnes of CO2. It will support our Blue/Coastal economy by providing valuable fishery resources as around 80% of Global fish catch is more or less dependent on thriving Mangrove ecosystems and they provide habitat to wide ranging species.

Challenges:
 Rising demand for Land reclamation for Industrialization and agriculture along the coastlines.
 Water and Soil pollution due to discharge of untreated domestic sewage and industrial effluents.
 Climate change – Increase in temperature, rising sea levels, increased frequency and velocity of Tropical storms along the Coastal regions.
 It appears there is significant lack of awareness around the importance of Mangrove ecosystem.
 Population pressure along the coastal areas.
 Change in Ecological flow of the river also impacts of health of mangroves. 

Way Forward:
 Initiate programmes to raise people’s awareness about Mangroves and involve Local community participation in its conservation efforts.
 Environmentally sustainable livelihood along the Coastal regions of the country.
 Land restoration and allowing for intertidal flow is critical for Mangrove’s growth.