Mangrove Forest and Plantation

Mangroves, once dismissed as wastelands, are now recognized for their critical ecological services, including coastal stabilization and biodiversity support. A study highlights a significant rejuvenation of mangrove forests globally, with India's mangrove cover expanding from 427 km² in 1987 to 1140 km² by 2017—a more than two-and-a-half-fold increase. This growth is particularly notable in Gujarat, where education and awareness campaigns, supported by organizations like the GEER Foundation and IUCN, have driven conservation success despite limited species diversity (14 species). The Sundarbans National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 6000 km² across India and Bangladesh, remains the world's largest contiguous mangrove forest. Detailed mapping of mangroves and potential expansion areas has further informed conservation strategies.

Khanna, P. (2020). Mangrove Forest and Plantation. Sustainable Bioresource Management, 165–181. https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429284229-12