Daily Current Affairs : 27-July-2023
On the occasion of the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, West Bengal made a significant announcement that aims to protect and preserve its rich mangrove forests. The state has decided to establish a specialized body known as the ‘Mangrove Cell’ to oversee and implement conservation efforts. This essay explores the importance of mangroves, the specific initiatives of the Mangrove Cell, and the critical role these unique ecosystems play in supporting biodiversity and environmental stability.
The Significance of Mangroves
Mangroves, a group of trees and shrubs, thrive in the coastal intertidal zone, bridging the gap between land and sea. They are essential ecosystems that provide numerous ecological benefits and are crucial for maintaining a healthy coastal environment. Some key points about mangroves include:
- West Bengal is home to approximately 40% of India’s mangrove forests, emphasizing their ecological importance in the region.
- Mangroves consist of around 80 different species, all adapted to living in low-oxygen soil and areas with slow-moving waters that allow the accumulation of fine sediments.
- These unique forests are found only in tropical and subtropical latitudes near the equator due to their vulnerability to freezing temperatures.
- The characteristic dense tangle of prop roots in mangrove forests enables them to withstand daily tidal fluctuations and helps in sediment deposition, building up the muddy bottom.
- Mangroves play a crucial role in stabilizing coastlines, protecting against erosion caused by storm surges, currents, waves, and tides.
- Their intricate root systems provide an ideal habitat for various marine organisms, serving as a nursery and offering shelter and sustenance.
Introducing the ‘Mangrove Cell’
West Bengal’s proactive step in setting up the Mangrove Cell demonstrates the government’s commitment to conserving these valuable ecosystems. The Mangrove Cell will spearhead various initiatives and strategies aimed at safeguarding and revitalizing the state’s mangrove forests. Some of the key focus areas of the Mangrove Cell include:
1. Mangrove Plantation Action Plan
The Mangrove Cell’s primary objective will be to formulate and execute a comprehensive plantation action plan. This plan will entail the strategic planting of mangrove saplings in suitable areas to expand and enhance existing mangrove forests. By increasing mangrove coverage, West Bengal can further strengthen its coastal resilience and protect vulnerable habitats.
2. Maintenance and Conservation
Maintenance and conservation will be critical aspects of the Mangrove Cell’s responsibilities. Ensuring the well-being of established mangrove forests will be crucial to sustaining their ecological benefits. This involves periodic monitoring, protection from illegal activities, and taking necessary measures to combat threats like pollution and encroachment.
3. Collaboration with NGOs
Recognizing the significance of collaborative efforts, the Mangrove Cell will actively engage and coordinate with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) dedicated to environmental conservation. Partnering with NGOs will enhance expertise, mobilize community involvement, and leverage resources for more effective conservation practices.
4. Fund Generation
To support the implementation of various conservation projects, the Mangrove Cell will focus on generating funds from both private and international sectors. These funds will be channeled towards research, plantation drives, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure development for mangrove conservation.
The Role of Mangroves in Climate Change Mitigation
Apart from their ecological benefits, mangroves also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. Their soils are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering vast amounts of carbon dioxide. This not only helps in reducing greenhouse gas levels but also contributes to offsetting the adverse effects of climate change. By establishing the Mangrove Cell and promoting mangrove conservation, West Bengal is taking a significant step in the fight against climate change.
Important Points:
- West Bengal announced the establishment of a ‘Mangrove Cell’ on the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
- West Bengal is home to about 40% of India’s mangrove forests, emphasizing their ecological importance in the region.
- Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that grow in coastal intertidal zones, providing numerous ecological benefits.
- Mangroves grow in areas with low-oxygen soil and slow-moving waters, allowing fine sediments to accumulate.
- Mangrove forests are found only in tropical and subtropical latitudes near the equator due to their vulnerability to freezing temperatures.
- The dense tangle of prop roots in mangrove forests enables them to withstand daily tidal fluctuations and protect against erosion.
- Mangroves stabilize coastlines, reducing erosion from storm surges, currents, waves, and tides.
- The intricate root systems of mangroves provide a habitat for marine organisms, serving as nurseries and offering shelter and sustenance.
- The Mangrove Cell’s key objectives include formulating and executing a comprehensive plantation action plan.
- The Mangrove Cell will focus on the maintenance and conservation of established mangrove forests to sustain their ecological benefits.
- The Mangrove Cell will collaborate with NGOs dedicated to environmental conservation to enhance expertise and community involvement.
- The Mangrove Cell will generate funds from private and international sectors to support conservation projects.
- Mangroves’ soils act as highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering vast amounts of carbon dioxide and contributing to climate change mitigation.
Why In News
In a pioneering move, West Bengal has unveiled plans for the establishment of a dedicated ‘mangrove cell’ within the State to spearhead efforts in conserving and safeguarding the precious mangrove ecosystem. This proactive step showcases the State’s commitment to preserving its unique coastal biodiversity and marks a significant milestone on the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem.
MCQs about Mangrove Cell
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What purpose does the dense tangle of prop roots serve in mangrove forests?
A. They serve as a habitat for marine organisms.
B. They allow mangroves to withstand daily tidal fluctuations.
C. They help in carbon sequestration.
D. They aid in generating funds for conservation.
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What is the primary objective of the ‘Mangrove Cell’ in West Bengal?
A. To monitor climate change effects on mangrove forests.
B. To coordinate with NGOs for coastal cleanup activities.
C. To generate funds from the government for conservation projects.
D. To formulate and execute a comprehensive plantation action plan.
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Apart from stabilizing coastlines, what additional benefit do mangroves provide?
A. Acting as carbon sinks and mitigating climate change.
B. Serving as recreational spots for tourists.
C. Providing a habitat for large land animals.
D. Increasing the salinity of coastal waters.
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