Context: An Odisha village is taking strides in mangrove restoration, planting various species within the periphery of the Bhitarkanika National Park.
Diverse Varieties:
This mangrove forest boasts an array of tree species like Avicennia, Bruguiera, Rhizophora, Sonneratia, and Kandelia genera. India alone hosts 34 species of true mangroves, with Bhitarkanika harboring 31, the Sundarbans having 27, and the Andaman & Nicobar islands featuring 24 species.
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Habitat and Characteristics:
Mangroves thrive in intertidal zones, braving daily inundation by seawater. These areas, flooded by high salt content, present harsh conditions for plant growth, being alternately exposed and submerged by tides.
Environmental Role:
Nestled along the coastlines, mangrove forests are vital for protecting inland areas from the ravages of floods and cyclones. They serve as a natural barrier, lessening the impact of natural calamities.
Critical Factors:
Successful mangrove revival necessitates a history of plantation in the area. Ensuring proper water channels is crucial, allowing a mix of freshwater and river water to sustain these ecosystems. Villagers’ understanding of tidal flow and water availability is pivotal for restoration efforts.
Geographic Distribution:
Mangrove vegetation primarily inhabits two main regions: the Eastern hemisphere encompassing eastern Africa, Asia (including India), and Australasia, regarded as the original domain; and the Western hemisphere, comprising the Americas and western Africa, known as the new world mangroves.
Reviving mangrove ecosystems contributes to biodiversity. It also reinforces natural defenses against coastal hazards, emphasizing the criticality of these restoration efforts.
Read Also: Environment & Ecology
