The IUCN listed mangroves in coastal regions spanning Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, as ‘critically endangered’ in its first global assessment of mangrove ecosystems.
Reasons for endangerment of Mangroves
According to the IUCN, threats to mangroves included wood exploitation, deforestation, shrimp farming, dam construction, sea-level rise, and increased cyclones.
Status of Mangroves in Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, the extent of mangroves had doubled from 23 sq.km. in 2001 to 45 sq.km. in 2021.
Forest Department completed mangrove restoration on 25 sq.km. and proposed restoring another 15 sq.km.
Efforts to conserve Mangroves in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has constituted 20 village mangrove committees.
The government is recognizing the role of local communities in protecting mangroves.
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