Mangrove Conservation Initiative in India

Summary of MISHTI Initiative and Mangrove Restoration Efforts

Government Initiative:

• The Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) was launched on June 5, 2023, as part of the Union Budget for 2023-24.
• Purpose: To restore and promote mangroves as a natural ecosystem for the sustainability of coastal habitats.

Land Acquisition and Restoration:

• Approximately 22,560 hectares of land acquired for mangrove restoration over the past two years.
• Gujarat accounts for about 85% of the total area acquired, amounting to 19,220 hectares.
• Other notable states involved include:
  • Tamil Nadu: 1,060 hectares
  • Andhra Pradesh: 837 hectares
  • Odisha: 761 hectares
  • West Bengal: Only 10 hectares acquired, despite having the largest mangrove cover in India.

Mangrove Cover Statistics:

• Total mangrove cover in India: 4,991 sq. km.
  • West Bengal: 2,119 sq. km (42% of national coverage).
  • Gujarat: 1,164 sq. km (23% of national coverage).
• Source: Forest Survey of India (FSI) 2023.

Ecological Impact:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted the positive ecological effects of mangrove restoration during the Mann ki Baat program, citing increases in local marine biodiversity, including dolphins and aquatic life, near the Dholera coast in Gujarat.

Participatory Approach and Recognition:

• The MISHTI initiative is based on a multi-stakeholder approach developed in West Bengal in 2020, incorporating schemes under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for restoration.
• Project recognized globally: Sustainable Aquaculture in Mangrove Ecosystems (SAIME) in the Sundarbans.

Expert Observations:

• Importance of focusing on mangrove restoration rather than solely on new plantation efforts.
• Emphasis on creating a collaborative platform involving various state departments to facilitate natural regeneration of mangroves.

Key Notes

• Constitutional Reference: Schemes like MISHTI align with the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) promoting ecological balance.
• Environmental Significance: Mangroves serve as bio-shields protecting coastlines and enhancing biodiversity.
• Policy Context: The MISHTI initiative represents a shift in national policy towards sustainable coastal management and ecological restoration efforts.