Content:
- Mangrove Conservation In Coastal Areas
- Shatavari – For Better Health
Mangrove Conservation In Coastal Areas
Context : Regulatory Measures for Mangrove Protection
Relevance : GS 3(Environment)
- Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019:
- Enacted under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Restricts activities in ecologically sensitive coastal areas, including mangroves.
- Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972:
- Protects mangrove ecosystems that fall within designated wildlife sanctuaries and national parks.
- Indian Forest Act, 1927:
- Regulates forest conservation, including mangrove forests categorized as Reserved or Protected Forests.
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002:
- Recognizes mangroves as biodiversity hotspots and ensures their protection through conservation strategies.
Promotional Initiatives for Mangrove Conservation
- Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI):
- Launched on 5th June 2023 by the Government of India.
- Aims to restore and promote mangrove forests across 9 coastal States and 4 Union Territories.
- Focuses on afforestation of 540 km² of degraded mangrove land.
- Implemented through convergence approach with financial aid from CAMPA (National Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority).
- Financial Support for Restoration (2024-25):
- ₹17.96 crore allocated to Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Kerala, Odisha, West Bengal, and Puducherry.
- Targeted restoration of degraded mangrove areas to enhance biodiversity and coastal resilience.
India’s Mangrove Cover – Status & Trends
- Total Mangrove Cover: 4,991.68 km² (0.15% of India’s total geographical area) – ISFR 2023.
- State-wise Distribution:
- West Bengal: 42.45% (highest, includes Sundarbans).
- Gujarat: 23.66% (significant increase due to conservation efforts).
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands: 12.39%.
- Increase in Gujarat’s Mangrove Cover (2001-2023):
- Growth of 253.06 km², attributed to:
- Large-scale afforestation initiatives.
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models.
- Community involvement in mangrove conservation.
- Strict regulatory enforcement for protection.
- Growth of 253.06 km², attributed to:
Significance of Mangrove Conservation
- Ecological Importance:
- Acts as natural coastal barriers, preventing coastal erosion and storm surges.
- Supports rich biodiversity, including endangered species.
- Carbon sequestration – vital for climate change mitigation.
- Socio-Economic Benefits:
- Enhances fisheries and livelihood for coastal communities.
- Strengthens eco-tourism potential.
- Generates sustainable employment through conservation programs.
Challenges in Mangrove Conservation
- Anthropogenic Threats:
- Coastal encroachment for urbanization and industrial projects.
- Illegal aquaculture (shrimp farming leads to deforestation).
- Climate Change Impacts:
- Sea-level rise, increased salinity, and extreme weather events.
- Lack of Awareness & Community Engagement:
- Need for sustained participation of local communities in conservation efforts.
Way Forward
- Strengthening Policy & Regulation:
- Strict enforcement of CRZ norms and forest protection laws.
- Expanding eco-sensitive zones around mangroves.
- Scaling Up Restoration Efforts:
- Expansion of MISHTI to more vulnerable coastal areas.
- Focus on nature-based solutions for climate resilience.
- Enhancing Public-Private Partnerships:
- Encouraging corporate investments in afforestation.
- Promoting sustainable tourism & community-led initiatives.
- Scientific Monitoring & Research:
- Satellite-based tracking for real-time mangrove cover assessment.
- Studying the impact of climate change on mangrove ecosystems.
Conclusion
- India has made significant strides in mangrove conservation through regulatory frameworks and initiatives like MISHTI.
- However, challenges remain in ensuring long-term sustainability, enforcement, and community participation.
Shatavari – For Better Health
Introduction
- The Ministry of Ayush has launched a nationwide species-specific campaign, “Shatavari – For Better Health,” to promote awareness of the medicinal benefits of the plant Shatavari.
Relevance : GS 2(Health)
Objectives of the Campaign
- Enhancing Awareness: Educate the public about the medicinal properties of Shatavari, especially for women’s health and immunity.
- Aligning with the Panch Pran Goal: Contributing to the vision of a Developed India by 2047, as outlined by PM Narendra Modi in his Independence Day speech (August 15, 2022).
- Promoting Traditional Medicine: Strengthening the use of Ayurvedic medicinal plants under the Ayush sector.
- Supporting Agro-Economic Growth: Encouraging sustainable cultivation and economic benefits for farmers engaged in medicinal plant cultivation.
Significance of Shatavari in Ayurveda & Public Health
- Women’s Health: Recognized for its benefits in reproductive health, hormonal balance, and lactation support.
- Immunity Booster: Strengthens the immune system and enhances overall vitality.
- Adaptogenic Properties: Helps the body adapt to stress and improve resilience.
- Gastrointestinal Health: Aids in digestion and acts as a natural remedy for ulcers and inflammation.
Government’s Approach & Implementation
- Previous Campaign Success:
- NMPB has earlier launched awareness campaigns on other medicinal plants like Amla, Moringa, Giloe, and Ashwagandha.
- These initiatives have led to increased public acceptance and adoption of traditional medicinal plants.
- Financial Assistance:
- ₹18.9 Lakhs will be allocated to eligible organizations to support this campaign.
- The funds aim to enhance outreach and encourage the adoption of Shatavari-based products.
- Central Sector Scheme for Medicinal Plants:
- Ensures the conservation, development, and sustainable management of medicinal plants, including Shatavari.
- Promotes large-scale cultivation and research on Ayurvedic plants.
Potential Impact of the Campaign
- Public Health Benefits:
- Increased use of Shatavari can contribute to better maternal and child health, improved immunity, and stress reduction.
- Economic and Agricultural Growth:
- Encourages cultivation among farmers, creating economic opportunities in rural areas.
- Supports Ayurveda-based industries and MSMEs involved in herbal medicine production.
- Global Ayurveda Promotion:
- Strengthens India’s position as a global leader in Ayurveda and herbal medicine.
- Expands the export potential of Indian medicinal herbs.
Conclusion
- The launch of the “Shatavari – For Better Health” campaign is a strategic initiative to integrate Ayurveda, public health, and economic development.
