Mangrove forests are one of the world’s most productive ecosystems. They shield the coastlines from surges and waves, binding the coastal soil layers and preventing soil erosion and withstanding floods. They also sequester carbon, making them crucial in the fight against climate change. These unique ecosystems are, however, threatened around the globe by both natural and manmade challenges. A Fast Depleting Treasure Trove All mangrove regions come under the Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) and are legally protected by the CRZ Act. However, there has been unabated destruction of mangrove forests for Kaipad paddy cultivation and shrimp farming, even though this directly violates the CRZ Act. Though not explicitly encouraged, these activities are further aided by government projects like “Nellum Oru Meenum,” which incentivizes paddy farming along with fish culture through government subsidies. Furthermore, many have objected to the latest CRZ notification (passed in early 2019), which proposes measures to relocate mangrove vegetation in areas under 50 sq. meters to a mangrove land bank (MLB).
Globally, mangroves are depleting at an annual rate of 1-2%, five times the rate of global forest loss. Kerala is no exception to this trend. As of 1975, the total mangrove cover has drastically shrunken from spanning over 700 sq. km to 6 sq. km by 2013, mostly due to habitat conversion, according to a research paper, published in the Journal of Forestry Research.
Although the state has recently witnessed an increase in mangrove forest cover, growing to cover 9 sq. km in 2019, the region’s biodiversity has taken a hit. Conservation efforts in the state dismissed location-specific and species-specific information on mangrove forests, which encouraged mono-species dominance. This is seen as a step backward, as Kerala represents 41% of the true mangrove species in India, even if the state accounts for just 0.19% of the total mangroves of India.Nearly 80% of the state’s mangrove forests are found in Kannur and Kasargode districts, with the moderately dense cover seen in areas along the river banks in Kasargode, Kottiyur, and Valapattanam as well as along the Pazhayangadi River.
Until a few years back, the district of Ernakulam overtook Kasargod in terms of mangrove cover. But much of this has been lost to urbanization and ecological degradation over the years. In the span of around three decades, the total mangrove cover of the district came down from around 500 hectares to 182 hectares, as per India State Forest Report (FSI, 2010).
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
According to a report by The Kerala Forest Research Institute (2008), more than 80% of mangrove regions in Kerala are under private ownership, posing to be one of the biggest hurdles in the way of actual conservation efforts.
The notification, which underwent drastic changes from earlier versions of the notifications (passed in 1991 and 2011), permitted the clearing of mangrove vegetation for a number of anthropogenic activities, in the condition that thrice the amount of cleared mangrove vegetation is replanted; a recommendation that has been severely criticized from all corners.
Like Dr. B. M. Kurup, the Founder and Vice-Chancellor of the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Panangad told The Hindu, “No amount of compensatory mangrove planting would make up for the functional efficiency of the natural mangrove ecosystem.”
10 Oct 2022
Raniya Ashraf Ali
