Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav on Sunday stressed the need for scientific, site-specific and community-led approaches to mangrove conservation and restoration, saying mangroves must be protected as living ecosystems vital for coastal biodiversity, fisheries, shoreline protection, climate resilience and livelihoods.
Addressing a workshop on Mangrove Conservation, Restoration and Sustainable Management in Bhuj, Kachchh, Yadav reviewed Gujarat’s progress under the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI).
Gujarat restores over 27,600 hectares under MISHTI
Reviewing Gujarat’s mangrove conservation efforts, Yadav highlighted the focus on restoration, scientific management, community participation and technology-enabled monitoring.
He said Gujarat has covered 27,652 hectares for mangrove restoration under MISHTI against the 2023–27 target of 29,250 hectares. This includes 12,450 hectares in the ecologically challenging Kori Creek region.
The Minister said site-specific restoration techniques suited to the unique conditions of Kachchh have been adopted. The initiatives also include measures aimed at enhancing biodiversity, promoting seaweed cultivation and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Mangrove GIS portal launched for science-based monitoring
On the occasion, Yadav released the Coffee Table Book on Kachchh Mangroves and the Mangroves Atlas of Gujarat.
He also launched the Mangrove GIS (MGIS) Portal, which is intended to strengthen science-based decision-making and monitoring of mangrove habitats across Gujarat.
The new resources are expected to support better understanding of mangrove ecosystems and facilitate technology-enabled conservation and restoration efforts.
Community-led conservation recognised
Yadav felicitated the Guneri Inland Mangrove Village Biodiversity Management Committee for its sustained efforts to conserve the Guneri inland mangroves.
The Minister highlighted the significance of the Guneri mangroves, describing them as a rare ecosystem thriving away from the coast. The site was declared Gujarat’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site in January 2025.
He stressed the importance of community participation in conservation efforts and recognised the role of local communities in protecting and sustainably managing ecologically important habitats.
The workshop was also addressed by Gujarat Cabinet Minister for Forest and Environment, Climate Change and Science & Technology Arjun Modhwadia and Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education Trikambhai Chhanga. They reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to mangrove conservation and coastal ecosystem restoration under MISHTI.
The workshop brought together senior officials from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Gujarat Forest Department, along with scientists, conservationists and representatives of local communities involved in mangrove restoration and coastal livelihood initiatives in Kachchh.
