Mangrooves

Mangrooves : Government Interventions

Conservation and Management of Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs : Wetlands
Wetlands are lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic system where the water table is usually or near the water surface and land is covered by shallow water. They are life support systems for people living around and are effective in flood control, waste water treatment, reducing sediment, recharging of aquifers and also winter resort for variety of birds for shelter and breeding and provide a suitable habitat for fish and other flora and fauna. They also act as buffer against the devastating effect of hurricanes and cyclones, stabilize the shore-line and act as bulwark against the encroachment by the sea and check soil erosion. Apart from that, they are valuable for their educational and scientific interest and provide durable timber, fuelwood, protein rich fodder for cattle, edible fruits, vegetables and traditional medicines.

Identification of wetlands can be attributed to the following three main factors, viz. -

When an area is permanently or periodically inundated
When an area supports hydrophytic vegetation
When an area has hydric soils that are saturated or flooded for a sufficiently long period to become anaerobic in the upper layers.

On these criteria, Ramsar Convention defines wetlands as areas of marsh or fen, peat-land or water, whether artificial or natural, permanent or temporary, with the water that is stastic or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meter. Mangroves, corals, estuaries, bays, creeks, flood plains, sea grasses, lakes etc are covered under this definition. National Bio-diversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP)

A comprehensive project with the financial support of UNDP-GEF was launched for producing a series of planning documents relating to ecological security and livelihood of people most dependent on natural resources. The ultimate aim is to develop a national plan for conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use. A consultative and participatory approach was adopted by all the executing agencies. A draft National Action Plan (NAP) has been prepared and circulated to more than 500 experts and organisations for comments. The comments received were suitably incorporated and the report revised.

A meeting of the Steering Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary (E&F) was held on January 29, 2004 in which the submission of the draft NAP report to the Ministry was recommended. The Ministry, based on this draft NAP, shall seek competent approval for a possible National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in line with the National Environment Policy which is under formulation.

Maharashtra State Forest Department, HSBC India and Conservation Action Trust (CAT) announced plans to set up a Mangrove Wetland Centre in Mumbai to create awareness about Mangroves and their importance to our environment.

Mangrooves : NGOs Interventions

CAT : Mangrove Wetland Centre
Maharashtra State Forest Department, HSBC India and Conservation Action Trust (CAT) announced plans to set up a Mangrove Wetland Centre in Mumbai to create awareness about Mangroves and their importance to our environment. HSBC is supporting the ‘Mangrove Wetland Centre’ as part of its commitment to environment and sustainability.
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VIKAS Centre for development, Ahmedabad
“Coastal Eco-village Development Programme with Emphasis on Community based Regeneration and Management of Fodder and Fuel”
The project is designed to promote an understanding and acceptance of the need to protect, conserve and regenerate alternative indigenous species of fodder & fuel by local communities so as to help realize sustainable effort in the restoration of mangroves, build the asset portfolio of the community for improved mangrove protection & management and to evolve communication package for larger replication of the programme and participate in other forums to influence development plans in Coastal Areas.

Mangrooves : Corporate Interventions

HSBC India : Maharashtra State Forest Department, HSBC India and Conservation Action Trust (CAT) announced plans to set up a Mangrove Wetland Centre in Mumbai to create awareness about Mangroves and their importance to our environment. Read More

Godrej Group : Mangroves
The western bank of the Thane Creek is the single largest mangrove belt in Mumbai. A substantial tract of this mangrove land is adjoining the Godrej & Boyce Township. Since 1985, The Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foundation has been maintaining these large tracts of quality mangroves in the city. The vast expanses of these mangroves serve as a second lung to the city only after the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is under immense environmental pressure.

Mangroves of Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (Mumbai, India)
The Western bank of the Thane Creek is the single largest mangrove belt in Mumbai. A Substantial tract of mangrove land is adjoining the Godrej & Boyce township, Pirojshanagar, in Vikhroli a suburb of Mumbai. Well diversified and well protected, these are the last- quality mangroves in the city. The vast expanse of these mangroves serve as a second lung of the city only after the Sanjay Gandhi National Park which is under immense environmental pressures.

One of the most interesting visits during my 4 - week stay in India was the Vikhroli Mangrove Park in Mumbai. There is hardly another big city in the world that can offer such an original habitat and eco-system within the city itself. What enhances the unique quality of this place is the fact that it has been possible to conserve it in an almost virgin state, despite the pressures of an expanding city. Although my visit lasted a couple of hours of an afternoon, I could even in this short time, observe 30 species of birds, many of which are Arctic migrating birds and for which the mangrove area will offer an ideal place to rest or stay over the winter. Among others, I could mention the flock of over 10,000 sandpipers.

Flora and Fauna of Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli (Mumbai, India)
Being an industrial garden township, Pirojshanagar has a lot to offer to nature-lovers. The mangrove and adjoining area itself harbours about 130 species of plants which include 13 species of mangroves and mangrove associates, dominent species being Avicennia marina.

Apart from the plants species, there are about 206 species of birds visiting the complex throughout the year. Some of the celebrities among them are Imperial Eagle, White bellied Sea-Eagle, Harriers, Openbill Storks, Blackcapped Kingfisher and Flamingo. Apart from this, there are about 7 species of prawns, 13 species of crabs, 20 species of fish, several molluscan species, 30 spider species, 33 species of reptiles and 12 species of mammals like mongoose and jackals.

This is a wonderful example of what conservation measures and restoration ecology can accomplish. This priceless natural heritage is a great genetic estate and we are grateful for its preservation.

Eco-restoration Programmes
The Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Marine Ecology Centre has taken up several measures to protect the mangroves locally. Some of the programmes undertaken are :-

• Nature trails in mangroves for all age groups
• Audio-visual shows on mangroves
• Poster exhibition on mangroves
• Mangrove Interpretation centre
• Tree planting drives
• Continuous monitoring of Vikhroli Mangroves
• Plantation programmes in areas other than in Pirojshanagar

We believe that mangroves are lifeline for our city and every citizen should care for this fragile eco-system. Through our education/ awareness programmes we have made a start. We realise that we have a long way to go. We request you to join us and support us in this noble work.

• Know your mangroves first
• Be protective about your mangroves
• Mangroves are now protected by law. If you find anybody destroying them make a complaint to the Forest Department or to the police. Both these authorities are equipped to take action under the Maharashtra Tree Felling Act and Environment Protection Act.
• Join organisations like the Mangrove Society of India, which are working specifically for the conservation of mangroves.
• Scientific plantations of mangroves flora at all possible areas

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