West Bengal, with around 40% of India's mangrove forests, has announced the establishment of a 'mangrove cell' in the state.
The announcement was made on the occasion of the International Day (July 26) for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
The mangrove cell's primary focus is on mangrove management, and it will ensure continuity in the state government's efforts.
The cell has developed an action plan for mangrove plantation, maintenance, and coordination with NGOs.
The cell aims to generate funds from private and international sectors to support its initiatives for mangrove conservation and restoration.
A Mangrove is a small tree or shrub that grows along coastlines, taking root in salty sediments, often underwater.
The word ‘mangrove’ may refer to the habitat as a whole or to the trees and shrubs in the mangrove swamp.
Mangroves are flowering trees, belonging to the families Rhizophoraceae, Acanthaceae, Lythraceae, Combretaceae, and Arecaceae.
mangrove root system absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere, called breathing roots or pneumatophores.
Mangroves are found only along sheltered coastlines within the tropical or subtropical latitudes because they cannot withstand freezing temperatures.
According to the India State of Forest Report, 2019, the mangrove cover in India is 4,975 sq km, which is 0.15% of the country’s total geographical area.
West Bengal has the highest percentage of area under total Mangrove cover followed by Gujarat and Andaman Nicobar Islands.
Sundarbans in West Bengal are the largest mangrove forest regions in the world. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Importance of Mangroves
They protect coastal areas from Tsunamis storm surges and soil erosions; due to their complex root systems which dissipate sea wave energy
Sediment deposition is a visible feature which arrests coastal erosion and seawater pollution
Many fish species and other fauna breeds here
They are an important source of livelihood for communities found in and around mangrove forests: Collection of Honey, Tanning, Wax, Fishing
They are carbon sinks
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