Pichavaram Mangroves (Geography)
Pichavaram Mangroves (Geography)
Why In News:
A recent study estimated the total economic value of ecosystem services provided by Pichavaram mangroves at about ₹2,485 crore, highlighting their role in carbon storage, fisheries, coastal protection, tourism and biodiversity.
Pichavaram Mangrove Ecosystem
Location: Pichavaram lies between the Vellar and Coleroon estuaries in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, and contains an extensive mangrove ecosystem.
Ramsar Site: Pichavaram is recognised as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Mangroves are salt-tolerant vegetation adapted to intertidal, saline and waterlogged conditions, particularly along tropical and subtropical coasts.
India's major mangrove regions include West Bengal, Gujarat, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Natural Coastal Barrier: Mangroves act as a buffer against cyclones, storm surges, strong waves and coastal flooding. Their dense network of trunks and aerial roots reduces wave energy and wind-driven water flow, thereby protecting coastal settlements and infrastructure.
Prevention of Coastal Erosion: Mangrove roots bind and trap sediments, stabilising the shoreline and reducing erosion. They also help in land building, while providing habitat for fish, birds and other coastal species and storing significant amounts of blue carbon.
Ecosystem Services and Economic Valuation
The study estimated Pichavaram's ecosystem services at approximately 2,485.38 crore, equivalent to around 1.83 crore per hectare.
Soil constitutes a major carbon reservoir because waterlogged and oxygen-poor conditions slow the decomposition of organic matter.
The combined value of vegetation and soil carbon was estimated at nearly ₹1,612 crore, demonstrating the importance of mangroves as natural carbon sinks.
Other ecosystem services include fishery support, storm and flood protection, tourism and biodiversity conservation.
Blue Carbon and Climate Significance
Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems, particularly mangroves, seagrass meadows and salt marshes.
Unlike conventional forests, a substantial proportion of mangrove carbon is stored in sediments and soils, allowing carbon to remain locked away for long periods.
Mangroves also provide nature-based coastal defence by reducing wave energy, erosion and the impacts of storms and flooding.
Their conservation therefore creates a link between climate mitigation, coastal resilience and biodiversity conservation.
Related Schemes and Institutions
MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes): launched in 2023 to promote mangrove restoration along India's coastline through convergence with programmes such as MGNREGS and CAMPA.
Mangroves for the Future (MFF): a regional coastal ecosystem initiative co-led by IUCN and UNDP, focusing on conservation, sustainable livelihoods and resilience in Asian coastal areas.
Ramsar Convention: an international treaty adopted in 1971 at Ramsar, Iran, providing the framework for conservation and wise use of wetlands.
Mangrove Alliance for Climate: an international initiative promoting mangrove conservation, restoration and climate action, with India among its participating countries.