Paper: GS – III, Subject: Environment, Ecology and Disaster Management, Topic: Wetlands, Mangroves, and corals, Issue: Role of M S. Swaminathan in mangrove conservation.
Context:
On the occasion of the World Mangrove Day (July 26), the transformation of mangroves into a global conservation priority can be largely credited to M.S. Swaminathan, who emphasized their ecological, economic, and social importance.
Key Highlights:
Status of Mangroves: As per, India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023:
- Total mangrove cover: 4,991.68 sq km.
- Extent: 0.15% of India’s geographical area.
Evolution of the significance of Mangroves:
| Pre-1980s | Post-1989 |
| Mangroves viewed as useless, marshy land. | Shift began with M.S. Swaminathan’s advocacy on climate change mitigation, coastal disaster risk reduction, carbon sequestration, livelihood enhancement and Biodiversity conservation. |
The Turning Point (1989):
- Tokyo Conference: At the Tokyo Climate and Human Responses Conference (1989), M.S. Swaminathan highlighted sea level rise risks and called for urgent mangrove conservation.
- Suggestions: He recommended for
- Sustainable use of mangrove resources.
- Developing saline-tolerant crops using mangrove genes.
- Promoting mangrove-based equity, ecology, and economics.
Institutional Contributions:
- International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME):
- Established in 1990, Swaminathan was the founding president.
- It promoted global awareness and science-based mangrove management.
- Global Mangrove Database and Information System (GLOMIS):
- Created a searchable database for research and policy.
- Mapped and evaluated 233 mangrove sites in 9 countries.
- Ecosystem Informatics Services (1992):
- Assessed mangrove degradation and recommended site-specific restoration measures.
- 2000 Mangrove Management Programme:
- Led by Ministry of Environment and Forests, it adopted Swaminathan’s methods.
- It led to large-scale restoration post 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone and 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami which resulted in reduced loss of life and property by elevating mangroves in national disaster management planning.
Scientific Approach to Restoration:
- When traditional afforestation failed due to poor local knowledge and degraded biophysical conditions, Swaminathan’s team introduced hydro-ecological approaches such as fishbone canal method.
- It was successfully piloted in Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal.
Conclusion:
M.S. Swaminathan revolutionized mangrove science and policy by integrating research with community participation.He converted mangroves from “marshy lands” to “mainstream environmental assets.
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