Krishna Ray
17 Sept 2024
Concepts about climate change impacts and how these relate to mangrove protection are still not communicated well to local communities and the so-called elite communities.
Mangroves are one of the most mesmerizing ecosystems on Earth. Nature cleverly handpicks a diverse and unique assemblage of flora, fauna, and microbes that evolve similar traits or adaptations in response to similar environmental challenges. They flourish happily in the intertidal regions of the oceanic or estuarine ecosystem, sustaining human well-being.
Therefore, any exploratory research exploiting this fascinating interspecies intersection and its outcome should be well communicated in the most convincing, plain language to the local community, researchers from allied/different fields, and policymakers.
During mangrove restoration efforts in the Indian Sundarbans, I've noticed a few common misconceptions. Many think (any) mangrove species can grow anywhere by picking up propagules and cultivating them in nurseries. Plantation activities are usually followed by photo shoots and campaigns. Another group believes in leaving the degraded mangrove ecosystem as it is. They say relying on nature itself to heal the damage is the most cost-effective/wisest way to implement a mangrove restoration program, and spending time/resources on these additional mangrove restoration ventures is sheer waste.
Concepts about climate change impacts and how these relate to mangrove protection are still not communicated well to local communities (the primary stakeholders who are facing the wrath of climate change) and the so-called elite communities (staying far off from the mangroves in developed large cities but enjoying the benefits mangroves provide). Local communities are the real protectors/saviours of this priceless ecosystem but are deprived of recognition/monetary benefit/livelihood opportunities for providing this essential service.
Development and conservation can be balanced and sustainable and that should be our target for both mangroves and their primary stakeholders. This is possible by closing the existing communication gaps.
Krishna Ray is the Associate Professor in Botany at the West Bengal State University, Kolkata, India.