Part 1 - English version (PDF) - Convention on Biological Diversity

Overview of Biodiversity: Status, Trends and Threats
development
Table 1.19: Threats to mangroves of various maritime states of India (Contd.)
Major West Orissa Andhra Tamil Nadu Andaman Gujarat Mahar- Goa Karnataka Kerala
threats Bengal (Bhitar- Pradesh (Pichavaram) & Nicobar ashtra
kanika) (Godavari)
Mining - - + - - ++ + - - -
Hyper salinity + - - ++ - ++ - - - -
Natural calamities + + ++ ++ ++++ ++ - - - -
(Cyclone & Sea level rise)
Siltation and ++ + ++ ++ - ++ - - - -
sedimentation
Total number 20 7 16 20 9 23 8 4 1 9
Reduction in freshwater flow has been identified as a factor affecting growth and perpetuation of
mangroves in West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
M. S. Swaminathan’s Committee Report has emphasized the regeneration of mangroves for
ecological and livelihood benefits.
Concept of Joint Mangrove Management (JMM) programme by involving multiple stakeholders
for conservation and management of mangrove resources in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and
Orissa has been developed by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai.
Linkages to NEP and Mangroves for the Future (MFF)
National Conservation Strategy and Policy Statement on Environment & Development (1992) highlights
conservation and sustainable development of mangroves, including coastal areas, riverine and island
ecosystems. Similarly, National Forest Policy and National Wildlife Action Plan emphasize conservation
of mangroves on scientific principles, including social and cultural aspects. At present, the mangroves
are protected through a range of regulatory measures such as Coastal Regulation Zone Notification,
1991; EIA studies under the EIA Notification, 1994 for specialized industries; monitoring of compliance,
with conditions imposed while according environmental clearances, by Regional Offices of the Ministry
and State Pollution Control Boards; enforcement of emission and effluent standards by industries and
other entities, and recourse to legal action against the defaulters. Mangroves located within the notified
forest areas are also covered under the IFA, 1927 and Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The NEP also
recognizes that mangroves, as indeed the other coastal resources like coral reefs and coastal forests, face
threats from following quarters: poorly planned human settlements; improper location of industries
and infrastructure; pollution from industries and settlements; over exploitation of living natural
resources; inadequate institutional capacities for, and participation of local communities in, formulation
and implementation of coastal management plans; lack of consensus on means of provision of sanitation
& waste treatment; and the open access nature of many coastal resources.
MFF is a regional initiative, being coordinated by IUCN, which focuses on tsunami-hit countries such
as India, Indonesia, Maldives, Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Thailand. MFF adopts a new approach by
promoting partnerships to stimulate investment, to move from reactive responses to proactive activities.
India has agreed to participate in MFF project.
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