Every plant, animal and other organism plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity on earth. Among them, mangroves prove that they are an essential part of this. Mangroves are a group of trees that live in the coastal intertidal zone that has slow-moving waters and low-oxygen soil. And on this International Day Of Forests, get to know why mangroves are essential and why the government has launched the MISHTI Scheme.
Mangroves Are Important!
Mangroves are unique ecosystem of coastal areas which are not only rich in biodiversity but also a great carbon sink.
India has launched MISHTI scheme to facilitate mangrove plantations and conservation of mangroves along India’s coastline. #ForestDay pic.twitter.com/Pq4k8vaohK— Ramesh Pandey (@rameshpandeyifs) March 21, 2023
Ramesh Pandey, an officer of the Indian Forest Services, tweeted a beautiful picture of the mangroves on the occasion of the International Day of Forests. He stated that they are unique ecosystems of the coastal areas. Mangroves are not only rich in biodiversity and are a great carbon sink. He gave an insight into the MISHTI scheme launched by the Indian government to conserve the mangrove population along the Indian coastline.
But why are mangroves so important? Well, they provide natural infrastructure, prevent erosion and absorb storm surge impacts. The dense roots bind the soil and encourage sediment deposit. The root system filters pollutants from water and improves its quality.
Also Read: Adore Pink Flamingoes While Kayaking Through Ras Al Khaimah’s Mangroves Coastline
Besides this, they capture greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide. It is feasible to say that mangroves are magical forest systems and the best-kept secret of nature.
MISHTI Scheme By Indian Government
In order to preserve mangroves in India, the government has introduced the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) Scheme. It will facilitate mangrove plantations along the coastline and on salt pans.
In India, mangroves act as a protection for the coastline and keep the vagaries of weather at bay. They make the coastline resilient and act as a buffer for cyclones. Therefore, protecting them is crucial! The scheme will be implemented by converging funds from CAMPA, MGNREGS and other schemes.
International Day Of Forests
Every aspect of our lives is connected with forests and their conservation is important. Directly or indirectly, we are dependent on them. By protecting forests, we are ensuring that our future generations will lead a healthy life.
Also Read: Navi Mumbai Mangroves Undergo Makeover; 7000kg Trash Removed In 15 Weeks
The importance of forests is nothing new but we fail to recognise it.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Image