SUSTAINING INDIA’S MANGROVES: EVALUATING LAW AND POLICIES FOR ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION

Abstract

Mangroves are essential for the environment and serve as a barrier. They are only found in the intertidal areas of rivers and estuaries, acting as nurseries for fish and other marine life with great ecological and monetary values. It also recycles nutrients and preserves the hydrological cycle and coast protection from storm surges. Although being a plant that can withstand high levels of salt, mangroves require a steady supply of fresh water to exist. Mangroves have been rapidly disappearing from the past many years, which have had detrimental effects on the ecosystem, climate, and society by reducing benefits including carbon sinking, coastal protection, and seafood production. Mangrove forest restoration is feasible and has already been attempted in a number of locations, but these initiatives have largely failed due to their fragmented nature. The current paper describes the results of a new initiative to identify and map the locations where mangroves can be restored, as well as to estimate the potential benefits from such restoration with reference to India.

The present research is carried out with the following objectives:

• Mangrove loss and threats, as well as actions made to restore them.
• Evaluation of Gujarat and Indian mangroves.
• Stressing the need of rules and regulations for the rehabilitation of mangroves.
• Repercussions for management and policy recommendations.