Why in news?
The Union government has reported that around 22,560 hectares of degraded coastal land have been restored or earmarked for restoration under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) scheme in the past two years. The announcement highlights progress in reviving mangrove ecosystems to protect coastlines and support local livelihoods.
Background
MISHTI was launched in 2023 after India joined the Mangrove Alliance for Climate at the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The programme is overseen by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and aims to restore roughly 540 square kilometres of mangroves across nine coastal states and three Union Territories over five years.
Objectives
- Habitat restoration: Rehabilitate degraded mangrove forests and afforest suitable salt‑pan lands along India’s coastline.
- Community livelihoods: Generate tangible incomes for local communities through eco‑tourism, sustainable fishing and sale of mangrove products.
- Climate resilience: Strengthen natural barriers against storm surges, coastal erosion and sea‑level rise by increasing mangrove cover.
- Biodiversity conservation: Protect nursery habitats for fish, crustaceans and birds, many of which are commercially important or threatened.
Implementation features
- Funding: MISHTI relies on convergence of several schemes, including the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA). Gap funding from the National CAMPA Authority supports planting and protection activities.
- Target areas: Major focus areas include the Sundarbans delta and Hooghly estuary in West Bengal, the Mahanadi and Godavari deltas in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, and smaller coastal wetlands in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
- Participatory approach: Local communities, Eco‑Development Committees and NGOs are involved in planning, planting and monitoring. Training and awareness programmes encourage stewardship of restored mangroves.
- Progress: Between 2023–24 and 2024–25, about 26,400 hectares of mangrove area were targeted for restoration. Activities include raising nurseries, planting saplings and protecting regenerating patches from grazing and encroachment.
Importance of mangroves
- Mangrove forests act as natural buffers against cyclones and tidal waves, absorbing wave energy and reducing storm surge heights.
- They store large amounts of carbon in their biomass and soil, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Mangroves provide nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans, sustaining fisheries and livelihoods for coastal communities.
- They stabilise shorelines and trap sediments, thus preventing coastal erosion.
Conclusion
MISHTI reflects a shift toward nature‑based solutions for climate adaptation and poverty reduction. By combining ecological restoration with local participation and multiple funding streams, the scheme aims to create resilient coastlines and sustainable incomes for those who depend on the sea.