Mangrove Conservation: A Three-Pillar Strategy for a Climate-Resilient India
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Environment & Ecology (Mangrove Ecosystems, Blue Carbon, Eco-Development Committees/Joint Forest Management Committees, Citizen Science), Science & Tech (Geospatial AI, Drones in conservation), Governance.
Mains:
GS Paper 3: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation; Disaster and disaster management (role of mangroves as bioshields); Role of science and technology in disaster management.
GS Paper 2: Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations (community participation in conservation).
Key Highlights from the News
Mangroves are a crucial component of coastal economies and climate resilience, yet they are often overlooked in policymaking.
The article argues that mangroves should be viewed not merely as biodiversity areas, but as vital climate and economic infrastructure.
The article proposes a three-pillar strategy for mangrove conservation:
Use of Technology: To understand the value of mangroves ("Natural Capital"), accurate mapping should be done using satellite and drone data, and geospatial AI, to calculate the amount of blue carbon they store.
Community-led Conservation: Involve local communities, especially fishermen, in conservation efforts. This will also help improve their livelihoods. Models like Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) and Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) can be used for this.
Citizen Science: Use platforms like "Mangrove Mitras" to raise public awareness about mangroves and involve them in conservation efforts.
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