Why Mangroves
Nature Based Solution
Mangroves are a ‘nature based solution’ to tackle climate change. The muddy environs that mangroves are found in are extremely carbon rich and a mature mangrove forest adds to the solid by capturing further sedimentation and holding it (and the captured carbon) in place.
Best Source of Carbon Sequestration
Mangroves are amongst the best sources of carbon sequestration. An acre of mature mangroves can sequester upto 500 metric tons annually. Mangroves sequester carbon far more effectively (up to 100 times faster) and 5 times more per hectare than terrestrial forests.
Nurseries for Marine Life
Mangroves act as nurseries and excellent habitats for marine life. In the areas covered with mangroves, the numbers of tiger prawns, mud crabs, white prawns, mudskippers, sea bass will rise, improving the health of aquatic ecosystems and also catch for the marginalized subsistence fisherfolk.
Sustainable Livelihood for Local Fisherfolk
1,200 families are completely dependent on the mangroves for their income. They make between 100 to 300 rupees a day during the summer season, and 1,500 to 2000 rupees a day during the monsoon season
Promotes Aquatic Life
Mangroves reduce the water temperature, improving fish yield.
Safe Aviaries
Mangroves are safe aviaries, and one can expect a rise in local avian life.
Reduced Soil Erosion &
Flooding
This region acts as one of the main drains for Chennai City’s flood waters. Mangroves can reduce upto 66% of wave height reducing soil erosion and the intensity of flooding during heavy monsoon years.
Cyclone Resilience
Mature mangroves show high resilience to strong winds and hence make excellent windbreakers. They will increase resilience to this area where disruptive climate events like cyclones are becoming more frequent.
Self Propagating
Once established, they are excellent at self propagation and more resilient than terrestrial forest.