Mangroves are salt-tolerant coastal forests found in tidal areas, estuaries and deltas. They act as a natural link between land and sea. However, increasing human pressure and environmental changes have led to their depletion, thereby threatening coastal ecology and local livelihoods.
Mangroves are declining mainly due to human activities and environmental stress. Coastal land reclamation, urban expansion, ports, tourism infrastructure and shrimp aquaculture convert mangrove areas into commercial land uses.
Pollution from industries and sewage, over-extraction of fuelwood, reduced freshwater flow, siltation, cyclones, sea-level rise and changes in salinity further degrade mangrove ecosystems.
Mangroves act as a natural bio-shield against cyclones, tidal waves, storm surges and coastal erosion. Their dense root systems trap sediments, stabilize shorelines and improve water quality.
They serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fish, prawns, crabs and birds, thereby supporting marine biodiversity and local livelihoods. Mangroves also store large amounts of blue carbon, helping climate regulation and coastal resilience.
Thus, conserving mangroves is essential not only for biodiversity but also for disaster resilience, climate balance, livelihood security and sustainable coastal development.