The mangroves are the first natural defense line of the coasts against cyclones, erosion and raising of sea level. But the way we are restoring them may not be the right one: that’s why Indian scientists offer a different approach.
The urgency of the coastal protection
The last few months have shown how crucial it is to protect our coasts. The cyclone dana hit on the eastern coast of India last October, with twenty at 120 km/h, hitting over 4 million people and causing damage for 600 rupees in the Odisha region alone. On the other side of the world, Hurricane Milton devastated Florida with twenty at 195 km/h, generating 41 Tornado and causing 24 victims, with damage estimated up to 34 billion dollars. Just two weeks earlier, Hurricane Helene had caused over 200 victims. In Eastern and Sudoriental Asia, the Gaemi and Yagi cyclones have caused almost 1,000 victims this year. It is not an isolated case: in 2023, tropical floods and storms represented 85% of the most expensive natural disasters in the world due to climate change. With the increase in the temperature of the oceans, these extreme events are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, making the protection of the coasts no longer an option, but a vital need.
The temptation of mass planting
Faced with the climatic emergency, the immediate response of many governments was to plant large -scale mangroves. The United Arab Emirates, for example, proposed to plant 100 million by 2030. But the numbers tell a different story: in Kenya, only 30-32% of the planted mangroves survived, while in Sri Lanka the percentage has still been more dramatic, with just 3% of survival.
The scientific approach that works
Dr. Krishna Ray, a botany professor at West Bengal State University, is showing that there is a more effective alternative. His method is based on three fundamental principles:
- Prepare the ground: instead of planting the mangroves directly, the first step is to grow grass in sterile areas. This naturally enriches the soil of nutrients.
- Choose the right species: not all mangroves are the same. Some thrive in more salty waters, others prefer sweeter conditions. The mapping of the salinity of the soil is essential to choose the most suitable species.
- Leave space to nature: Once the right conditions are created, nature makes the rest. The currents naturally bring new seeds, while organisms such as crabs and shrimp contribute to creating a rich and diversified ecosystem.
The results speak clearly
In Tamil Nadu, the expert Narendran Rajenndran obtained a 90% survival rate using similar scientific methods. Its mangrove forests have become so dense in seven years that it is now difficult to even access it.
Protect the existing
Another crucial aspect emerges from the work of Dr. Punryasloke Bhadury in the Sunday: instead of focusing only on the planting of new trees, it is essential to protect and restore existing mature mangroves. The 25-30 years mangroves have a higher resilience and can be restored in just two years, while the new plantations take 15-20 years to reach the same strength.
Why should it be interested in?
The mangroves are not only natural barriers against extreme events. They are real “carbon wells” that contribute to mitigating climate change. In addition, they support the local economy through fishing, the production of honey and other traditional activities.
The lesson that comes from India is clear: when it comes to environmental restoration, quality counts more than quantity. A scientific and localized approach, which respects the times of nature, can make the difference between success and failure in the protection of our coasts.
