Dear Dr. Rk Naresh ,

Climate change significantly impacts the mangrove ecosystem in every part of the world. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and increased temperatures disrupt the delicate balance of mangroves. Sea level rise threatens their existence as they struggle to adapt to changing saltwater levels. Intense cyclones and storms cause physical damage and uprootation. Warmer temperatures influence the distribution of mangroves and alter species composition.

Mangrove destruction in India, as in other parts of the world can be primarily driven by anthropogenic factors. Urbanization, industrialization, aquaculture, and agriculture encroach upon mangrove habitats. Illegal logging, pollution from industries and agriculture, and over-exploitation of wood and fish contribute to their degradation. Lack of awareness, weak enforcement of conservation laws, and ineffective management exacerbate the issue. Sustainable practices and robust conservation efforts are essential to protect these vital ecosystems. I recommend a discussion with Dr. Yann Miassi , an expert in Forestry and ecosystem management.

Dr Kossivi Fabrice Dossa thank you for your contribution to the discussion

Sea level rise: This probably is the greatest threat facing coastal mangroves. The larger changes in sea level can lead to mangrove ecosystem collapse. Increased intensity of cyclones has also been found to damage the mangroves through defoliation, uprooting of trees and death of trees. Climate change is likely to have a substantial impact on mangrove ecosystems, through processes including sea level rise (SLR), changing ocean currents, increased storminess, increased temperature, changes in precipitation and increased CO2. Agricultural practices and industrial development, urbanization, over-logging in coastal areas as well as the unregulated discharge of liquid and solid wastes are the most serious threats. Overall, the causes of deterioration of the Sundarban mangrove forest ecosystem could be classified into: Anthropogenic. If you have areas where you have increased erosion due to sea level rise, mangroves might counter that.” Mangroves have been threatened by deforestation for decades, as agriculture and aquaculture, urban development and harvesting have caused the loss of more than a quarter of mangrove forests in the past 50 years. Other secondary factors are: air temperature, salinity, ocean currents, storms, shore slope, and soil substrate. Most mangroves live on muddy soils, but they also can grow on sand, peat, and coral rock. Zonation often characterizes mangrove forests. Mangroves provide natural infrastructure to help protect nearby populated areas by reducing erosion and absorbing storm surge impacts during extreme weather events such as hurricanes. They are also important to the ecosystem too. Their dense roots help bind and build soils.

Dear Dr. Rk Naresh

You are very welcome.

I am currently working on the Transformative Dynamics of Mangrove Ecosystems in a central African country. I will tag you once the paper is published and available on Researcher Gate. Dr. Yann Miassi is also part of the research work. He is an expert in the field.

Regards