Mangrove Coalition launched to strengthen India's coastal cities from climate risks

Mumbai: In a big initiative, the Godrej Enterprises Group has led the formation of the Mangrove Coalition, a pioneering alliance dedicated to safeguarding and restoring urban mangrove ecosystems in India.

The Mangrove Coalition is formed in partnership between the Soonabai Pirojsha Godrej Foundation, WRI India, WWF India, and the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), the Natural Capital Project at Stanford, and Conservation International, the Coalition brings together expertise in ecology, economics, and community engagement.

Its mission is to advance an integrated approach to mangrove conservation through Natural Capital valuation, community stewardship, and citizen science, laying the foundation for more resilient and sustainable coastal cities.

Recognising the growing threats from climate change, rapid urbanisation, and land-use conflicts, the Coalition’s initial efforts will focus on Mumbai and Chennai’s mangroves ecosystems under immense anthropogenic pressures. Both cities have endured devastating floods in recent decades, exposing the vulnerability of urban infrastructure and the critical need for nature-based solutions.

Announcing the initiative, Nyrika Holkar, Executive Director, Godrej Enterprises Group, said, “In the heart of our cities lie the roots of resilience. Mangroves are not just ecological buffers—they are carbon vaults, biodiversity sanctuaries, and silent sentinels protecting millions. With this coalition, we hope to bring together science, policy, and people to navigate the complex trade-offs of conserving these critical ecosystems in urban India.”

According to her, by using technologies like satellite mapping, drones and geospatial AI we can monitor mangrove health and quantify impact on the blue carbon ecosystem more effectively.

Highlighting the importance of community stewardship, Madhav Pai, CEO, WRI India, stated: “Mangroves are living infrastructure, but their protection hinges on people. Empowering coastal communities to act as stewards is key to long-term conservation success. Through education, engagement, and inclusive planning, we can foster a sense of ownership that makes mangrove conservation a shared urban responsibility.”

Speaking about the economic significance of conservation strategies, Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chair, MSSRF added: “Mangroves provide invaluable services like storm protection, carbon storage, fisheries support that often go unaccounted for in urban planning. By quantifying these benefits, we can make a stronger case for their preservation and restoration and promote policies that balance development with ecological integrity.”

On the importance of citizen science and ecosystem health, Dr Sejal Worah, Programme Director, WWF India, said: “Engaging citizens to monitor mangrove health creates a deeper connection between urban populations and their natural surroundings. Citizen science not only provides important information but also builds a culture of environmental responsibility among diverse stakeholders.”

The Mangrove Coalition plans to deliver outcomes that include improved scientific understanding of urban mangrove ecosystems, stronger policy frameworks for their protection, and heightened community awareness about their multiple benefits and stewardship for their wellbeing. Over time, it aims to foster local champions through a proposed fellowship program, ensuring sustained dialogue and action on conservation at the grassroots level.