New Study Warns India’s Coastal ‘Climate Heroes’ at Risk; Calls for Urgent Action to Protect Mangroves, Seagrasses & Salt Marshes

17^th March 2025:  A comprehensive scoping study titled Shields of the Shore, released today by SaciWATERs and ClimateRISE Alliance has unveiled alarming threats to India’s coastal blue vegetated ecosystems—mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These ecosystems, often referred to as “blue carbon ecosystems,” are vital for climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents. However, they are under severe threat from disruptions in freshwater inflows, urban encroachment, industrial expansion in upstream and coastal regions, aquaculture intensification, and the escalating impacts of climate change.

The report highlights the critical role these ecosystems play in India’s ecological and socio-economic fabric. Mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes not only sequester carbon at rates five times higher than rainforests but also act as natural barriers against storm surges, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels. Despite their immense value, these ecosystems are rapidly deteriorating, with significant implications for India’s climate resilience and coastal communities.

Key Findings:

1. Mangroves at Risk:
   • India has lost approximately 7.43 km² of mangrove cover since 2021, with states like Gujarat and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands experiencing significant declines
   • Over 50% of India’s mangrove ecosystems are classified as vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered, with South India’s mangroves now labeled “critically endangered” by the IUCN
   • Major threats include aquaculture expansion, urbanization, and reduced freshwater flow due to upstream activities like dam construction and water diversion

1. Seagrasses Under Threat:
   • Seagrass meadows, which cover approximately 516.59 km² of India’s coastline, are shrinking due to pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change
   • These ecosystems, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, are critical habitats for endangered species such as dugongs and green turtles
   • Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification further threaten their survival

1. Salt Marshes: The Overlooked Ecosystems:
   • Salt marshes, covering just 290 km², are among India’s most neglected coastal ecosystems, despite their role in carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and biodiversity support
   • These ecosystems face threats from overgrazing, agricultural expansion, and invasive species like Prosopis juliflora
   • The lack of research and policy attention has left salt marshes vulnerable to degradation, undermining their ability to buffer against climate impacts

Dr. Jayati Chourey, SaciWATERs said, “Our study is a wake-up call. India’s mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes are critical ecological treasures—and lifelines for millions. Restoring them demands collaboration across sectors, sound scientific knowledge, integration of traditional knowledge, and policies that prioritize long-term resilience over short-term gains.”

Siddharth Rao, Rainmatter Foundation said, “This study, undertaken by ClimateRISE and SaciWATERs, assesses the current status of India’s coastal blue vegetated ecosystems—one of the country’s most vital natural assets. Developed in response to a sectoral need for deeper insights, the report compiles key findings on their health, vulnerabilities, and governance. These findings the groundwork for urgent action to combat biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and climate change through informed policy and targeted conservation efforts.”

The report outlines a strategic roadmap for the conservation and restoration of India’s coastal blue vegetated ecosystems, emphasizing the need for immediate and coordinated action.

Key recommendations include:

Many restoration efforts lack a foundation in scientific principles or integrated ecosystem approaches, resulting in fragmented and ineffective interventions. Strengthening science-policy-community linkages through capacity-building initiatives is essential to advancing evidence-based, sustainable, and inclusive conservation and restoration strategies.

Strengthening Governance Frameworks:

• Integrate blue ecosystem conservation into national and state climate action plans
• Establish multi-tiered governance structures that involve local communities in decision-making processes

It is crucial to integrate blue ecosystem conservation into both national and state climate action plans. This approach ensures that the protection and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems are prioritized in broader climate policies. Additionally, establishing multi-tiered governance structures that actively involve local communities in decision-making processes will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of conservation efforts.

Promoting Community-Led Conservation:

• Empower coastal communities through capacity-building programs and sustainable livelihood opportunities
• Recognize and integrate traditional ecological knowledge into conservation strategies

It is essential to empower coastal communities through capacity-building programs and the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities. Recognizing and integrating traditional ecological knowledge into modern conservation strategies is vital. This approach not only values the deep understanding local communities have of their ecosystems but also fosters more effective and culturally relevant conservation practices, ensuring a harmonious balance between environmental preservation and community development

Scaling Up Restoration Efforts:

• Prioritize ecosystem-based restoration approaches that consider the interconnectedness of mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes
• Launch large-scale restoration projects with a focus on biodiversity conservation and climate resilience

Key habitats such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and enhancing climate resilience, making their restoration a critical priority. By launching large-scale restoration projects that focus on biodiversity conservation and climate resilience, both will not only restore vital ecosystems but also provide long-term benefits for communities and the environment. By adopting a holistic and comprehensive approach, we can ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of restoration initiatives on a broader scale.

Leveraging Innovative Financing Mechanisms:

• Develop blue carbon credit frameworks to incentivize conservation and attract private sector investment
• Explore blended finance models that combine public, private, and philanthropic funding for ecosystem restoration

To effectively address the challenges of ecosystem conservation and restoration, it is crucial to leverage innovative financing mechanisms. Developing blue carbon credit frameworks can incentivize conservation efforts by monetizing the carbon sequestration potential of coastal and marine ecosystems, thereby attracting private sector investment. Moreover, exploring blended finance models that strategically combine public, private, and philanthropic funding sources can create sustainable financial pathways for large-scale ecosystem restoration projects.

Enhancing Research and Monitoring:

• Establish open-access data repositories to facilitate knowledge-sharing and evidence-based decision-making
• Conduct interdisciplinary research to address emerging threats such as microplastics, invasive species, and climate-induced stressors

By establishing open-access data repositories, they will facilitate knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, enabling evidence-based decision-making and fostering collaboration across sectors.  Conducting interdisciplinary research is critical to understanding and mitigating emerging threats, such as microplastics, invasive species, and climate-induced stressors, which require holistic and innovative solutions.