In what ways can restoring mangroves improve both environmental sustainability and coastal security in India?

Restoring mangroves is increasingly recognized as a crucial strategy for both environmental sustainability and enhancing coastal security in India. Mangroves are unique ecosystems found along tropical and subtropical coastlines, and their restoration offers multiple benefits that go beyond ecological health to include disaster risk reduction and national security.

• Coastal Protection from Natural Disasters: Mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges, cyclones, and tsunamis by absorbing wave energy and reducing the impact on coastal communities. This helps in minimizing loss of life and property during extreme weather events.
• Prevention of Coastal Erosion: The complex root systems of mangroves stabilize the shoreline and prevent soil erosion, which is a major concern in many coastal areas of India.
• Carbon Sequestration and Climate Mitigation: Mangroves are highly efficient in capturing and storing carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change and its associated risks, such as sea-level rise.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Mangrove ecosystems support a wide variety of marine and terrestrial species, maintaining ecological balance and supporting fisheries that are vital for local livelihoods.
• Livelihood Support: Healthy mangroves sustain fisheries and provide resources like timber and honey, supporting economic stability in coastal regions and reducing vulnerability to external threats.
• Buffer Against Saline Water Intrusion: Mangroves help prevent the intrusion of saline water into agricultural lands and freshwater sources, protecting food security and water quality.
• Strategic National Security: By stabilizing coastlines and reducing the risk of displacement due to natural disasters, mangroves help maintain demographic stability in sensitive border areas, reducing potential for cross-border migration and related security challenges.
• Cost-Effective Disaster Management: Investing in mangrove restoration is often more cost-effective than building artificial infrastructure for coastal protection, thus ensuring sustainable and long-term security for coastal populations.