mangroves

Akul Biswas started planting mangrove saplings along the banks of the Bidyadhari river in 2005. Locals took notice of his work and joined his mission. Today, Biswas and over 200 women have formed the Jharkhali Sabuj Bahini that works towards revival of mangroves in the Sundarbans.

From reviving millets in Maharashtra to restoring mangroves in Raigad and building climate-ready cities in Assam, the ClimateRISE Alliance unites 70 groups to fight climate change across India.

In coastal Tamil Nadu, 10,000 villagers joined hands with forest officials to revive the state’s largest mangrove forest. Using ancient knowledge and scientific design, they restored 2,057 hectares of dying wetlands—bringing back biodiversity, fish, and hope. This is the powerful story of nature’s comeback, led by the people who need it most.

Pulicat Lake is under threat from illegal worm poaching and a proposed port expansion. Local tribal women are patrolling the lake and protecting mangroves.

Starting with one sapling at a time, these conservationists are ensuring that India's deltas and coasts are filled with lakhs of mangrove trees, strengthening them against floods and cyclones.

On 1 November 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced a draft notification to amend the CRZ Notification, 2019. This is what it means for India's coasts.

“I started doing this because I was worried. Cyclones are becoming more frequent. And mangroves, which protected us from sea surges, are reducing in number drastically,” says the concerned fisherman. #Respect #EarthHero

One of the simplest and most cost-effective measures to protect mangroves, these natural barriers also help absorb carbon emissions from vehicles, thereby reducing air pollution in the zone!

Last spotted in Mumbai in 1939, this year, the Great Bittern made a long-awaited comeback in the economic capital.

In case of destruction, offenders will be prosecuted, and the mangroves will have to be restored.