<p>Mumbai: India has lost approximately 7.43 sq km of mangrove cover since 2021, with states like Gujarat and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands experiencing significant declines.</p><p>Seagrass meadows, which cover approximately 516.59 sq km of India’s coastline, are shrinking due to pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change.</p><p>Salt marshes, covering just 290 sq km, are among India’s most neglected coastal ecosystems, despite their role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity support.</p><p>A comprehensive scoping study titled Shields of the Shore, released by SaciWaters and ClimateRise Alliance has unveiled alarming threats to India’s coastal blue vegetated ecosystems—mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. </p><p>These ecosystems, often referred to as “blue carbon ecosystems,” are vital for climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents. However, they are under severe threat from disruptions in freshwater inflows, urban encroachment, industrial expansion in upstream and coastal regions, aquaculture intensification, and the escalating impacts of climate change.</p>.Indian cities most vulnerable to heat waves focus on short-term fixes: Report.<p>Dr Jayati Chourey, SaciWaters said: “Our study is a wake-up call. India’s mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes are critical ecological treasures and lifelines for millions. Restoring them demands collaboration across sectors, sound scientific knowledge, integration of traditional knowledge, and policies that prioritise long-term resilience over short-term gains.</p><p>”Siddharth Rao, Rainmatter Foundation said: “The study assesses the current status of India’s coastal blue vegetated ecosystems—one of the country’s most vital natural assets. Developed in response to a sectoral need for deeper insights, the report compiles key findings on their health, vulnerabilities, and governance. These findings are the groundwork for urgent action to combat biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change through informed policy and targeted conservation efforts.”</p><p>The report highlights the critical role these ecosystems play in India’s ecological and socio-economic fabric. </p><p>“Mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes not only sequester carbon at rates five times higher than rainforests but also act as natural barriers against storm surges, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels. Despite their immense value, these ecosystems are rapidly deteriorating, with significant implications for India’s climate resilience and coastal communities,” the report states. </p><p><strong>Mangroves at risk</strong></p><ul><li><p>India has lost approximately 7.43 sq km of mangrove cover since 2021, with states like Gujarat and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands experiencing significant declines</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Over 50% of India’s mangrove ecosystems are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered, with South India’s mangroves now labeled “critically endangered” by the IUCN</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Major threats include aquaculture expansion, urbanization, and reduced freshwater flow due to upstream activities like dam construction and water diversion</p></li></ul><p><strong>Seagrasses under threat</strong></p><ul><li><p>Seagrass meadows, which cover approximately 516.59 sq km of India’s coastline, are shrinking due to pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>These ecosystems, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, are critical habitats for endangered species such as dugongs and green turtles</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification further threaten their survival</p></li></ul><p><strong>Salt Marshes: The overlooked ecosystems</strong></p><ul><li><p>Salt marshes, covering just 290 sq km, are among India’s most neglected coastal ecosystems, despite their role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity support</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>These ecosystems face threats from overgrazing, agricultural expansion, and invasive species like Prosopis juliflora</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The lack of research and policy attention has left salt marshes vulnerable to degradation, undermining their ability to buffer against climate impact</p></li></ul>
<p>Mumbai: India has lost approximately 7.43 sq km of mangrove cover since 2021, with states like Gujarat and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands experiencing significant declines.</p><p>Seagrass meadows, which cover approximately 516.59 sq km of India’s coastline, are shrinking due to pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change.</p><p>Salt marshes, covering just 290 sq km, are among India’s most neglected coastal ecosystems, despite their role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity support.</p><p>A comprehensive scoping study titled Shields of the Shore, released by SaciWaters and ClimateRise Alliance has unveiled alarming threats to India’s coastal blue vegetated ecosystems—mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. </p><p>These ecosystems, often referred to as “blue carbon ecosystems,” are vital for climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents. However, they are under severe threat from disruptions in freshwater inflows, urban encroachment, industrial expansion in upstream and coastal regions, aquaculture intensification, and the escalating impacts of climate change.</p>.Indian cities most vulnerable to heat waves focus on short-term fixes: Report.<p>Dr Jayati Chourey, SaciWaters said: “Our study is a wake-up call. India’s mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes are critical ecological treasures and lifelines for millions. Restoring them demands collaboration across sectors, sound scientific knowledge, integration of traditional knowledge, and policies that prioritise long-term resilience over short-term gains.</p><p>”Siddharth Rao, Rainmatter Foundation said: “The study assesses the current status of India’s coastal blue vegetated ecosystems—one of the country’s most vital natural assets. Developed in response to a sectoral need for deeper insights, the report compiles key findings on their health, vulnerabilities, and governance. These findings are the groundwork for urgent action to combat biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change through informed policy and targeted conservation efforts.”</p><p>The report highlights the critical role these ecosystems play in India’s ecological and socio-economic fabric. </p><p>“Mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes not only sequester carbon at rates five times higher than rainforests but also act as natural barriers against storm surges, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels. Despite their immense value, these ecosystems are rapidly deteriorating, with significant implications for India’s climate resilience and coastal communities,” the report states. </p><p><strong>Mangroves at risk</strong></p><ul><li><p>India has lost approximately 7.43 sq km of mangrove cover since 2021, with states like Gujarat and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands experiencing significant declines</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Over 50% of India’s mangrove ecosystems are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered, with South India’s mangroves now labeled “critically endangered” by the IUCN</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Major threats include aquaculture expansion, urbanization, and reduced freshwater flow due to upstream activities like dam construction and water diversion</p></li></ul><p><strong>Seagrasses under threat</strong></p><ul><li><p>Seagrass meadows, which cover approximately 516.59 sq km of India’s coastline, are shrinking due to pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>These ecosystems, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, are critical habitats for endangered species such as dugongs and green turtles</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification further threaten their survival</p></li></ul><p><strong>Salt Marshes: The overlooked ecosystems</strong></p><ul><li><p>Salt marshes, covering just 290 sq km, are among India’s most neglected coastal ecosystems, despite their role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity support</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>These ecosystems face threats from overgrazing, agricultural expansion, and invasive species like Prosopis juliflora</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>The lack of research and policy attention has left salt marshes vulnerable to degradation, undermining their ability to buffer against climate impact</p></li></ul>