Журнал наук о Земле и изменения климата

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Mangrove Area Assessment in India: Implications of Loss of Mangroves

Sahu SC, Suresh HS, Murthy IK and Ravindranath NH

Mangroves are extremely important bio-resources which are crucial to coastal environment. Mangroves are declining rapidly as they are getting degraded for agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, urban development and over-exploitation. India lost 40% of its mangrove area during the last century. Hence, it is highly necessary to assess the status and trends of mangroves in India. We have assessed the trends of mangrove area in India during 1987-2013 and found that the mean annual change during the period is 24.25 ± 82.57 km2. Most of the states are experiencing an increase in area except Andhra Pradesh (-5.95 ± 15.70 km2) and Andaman and Nicobar (-3.41 ± 52.32 km2). The present review is focused on assessing the status and trends of mangrove area in India including the causes of loss and its restoration and traditional conservation. Implications of loss of mangroves have been discussed with respect to exposure to cyclones, hurricanes and sea water intrusion, tsunami and climate change. Effective governance structures, better planning for rehabilitation of degraded mangroves, education and awareness building in local communities are needed to conserve, protect and restore the valuable mangrove wetland ecosystems. Further, mitigation and adaptation to climate change aspects are considered.