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Study Reveals Mangroves Possess Remarkable Heat Resilience
Context:
A study of 13 mangrove species in Kerala found that mangroves exhibit greater heat tolerance, with leaf temperatures exceeding surrounding air temperatures, making them less vulnerable to global warming.
Key Findings of the Study on Mangroves’ Heat Resilience:
- Mangroves’ Heat Tolerance: The study revealed that mangroves have remarkable heat resilience, with maximum leaf temperatures higher than surrounding air temperatures but well below their heat tolerance limits.
- Thermal Safety Margins (TSM): Mangroves maintain large TSM, which may enable them to cope with future climate warming while sustaining photosynthesis.
- T50 Values: T50 is the temperature at which photosynthetic function decreases by 50%. It ranged from 48.9°C to 55.3°C across 13 species.
- Mangrove Species Studied: River mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum), White mangrove (Avicennia marina), Indian mangrove (Avicennia officinalis), Oriental mangrove (Bruguiera cylindrica), Burma mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorhiza).
- Importance of Mangroves : Mangroves provide crucial ecosystem services like coastal protection, carbon storage, and livelihood support for local communities.
Mangrove Conservation in India:
- Increase in Mangrove Cover: Mangrove cover in India increased from 4,046 sq km (1987) to 4,992 sq km (2019), aided by local models and community engagement.
- Global Mangrove Loss: Despite India’s gains, globally, mangrove cover has decreased by 3.4% since 1996.
National Coastal Mission:
Launched in 2014 under the National Action Plan on Climate Change to address the impact of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities through adaptation and mitigation measures.
- Key Components: Mangrove & Coral Conservation, R&D in marine/coastal ecosystems, Sustainable Beach Development under BEAMS, and Capacity Building programs for coastal states/UTs, including beach cleaning initiatives.
- Implementation: Managed by State Governments of Coastal States and UT Administrations as implementing agencies.
- Role of the National Coastal Mission: This mission under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change could lead the shift towards these comprehensive, future-focused strategies for mangrove and coastal ecosystem conservation.
Challenges and Risks:
- Decline in Coastal Wetlands: Between 2006 and 2018, natural coastal wetlands in India decreased. Mangrove plantations over intertidal mudflats have contributed to this loss.
- Threats to Mangroves: Over-harvesting, pollution, agriculture, urbanisation, and reduced freshwater flows threaten mangroves. Erosion and climate change further worsen these conditions.
Future Management and Policy Recommendations:
- Policy Shift: Mangrove conservation policies should expand beyond increasing cover to improving coastal ecosystem health.
- Incorporating Climate Risks: Coastal management plans must account for climate risks and leverage future climate modelling.
- Widening Restoration Techniques: Restoration efforts should integrate hydrological and sediment restoration alongside traditional silvicultural methods.
- Inclusive Coastal Management: Coastal resilience needs an inclusive, society-wide approach involving local communities and diverse sectors like water, disaster management, and tourism.