International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem (26th July) serves as a crucial reminder that these coastal guardians are vanishing
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What are Mangroves? About: Mangroves are specialized coastal ecosystems consisting of salt-tolerant (halophytic) trees and shrubs that flourish in the intertidal zones of tropical and subtropical regions. Mangrove Cover in India: As per Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, India's mangrove cover is about 4,992 sq. km, accounting for 0.15% of the country’s geographical area. Carbon Sequestration: Mangroves store around 394 tonnes of carbon per hectare , exceeding most terrestrial forests, due to anaerobic and saline soils that slow decomposition. Coastal Protection: Mangroves serve as natural buffers against storm surges, tsunamis , and coastal erosion acting as "bio-shields" . Land Conversion for Agriculture: According to the "State of the World's Mangroves 2024 " repor...