Mangroves are vital ecosystems characterized by unique flora and fauna and play several crucial roles. Despite their ecological and socio-economic significance, mangroves face numerous threats. Analyse.

Topic: impact assessment

Topic: impact assessment

5. Mangroves are vital ecosystems characterized by unique flora and fauna and play several crucial roles. Despite their ecological and socio-economic significance, mangroves face numerous threats. Analyse. (250 words)

Difficulty level: Moderate

Reference: Down to Earth , Insights on India

Why the question: A recent global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has painted a grim picture for the world’s mangrove forests. The analysis revealed that more than 50 per cent of these vital ecosystems are on the verge of collapse due to a combination of human activities and climate change. Key Demand of the question: To explain the importance of mangroves and to bring out the various threats faced by them. Directive: Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon. Structure of the answer: Introduction: Begin the answer by briefly writing about mangroves and their ecosystem. Body: You can draw simple and illustrative of map showing important mangroves. Write about the role of mangroves as the first line of defence against erosion and flooding. Also mention about the other ecological benefits of mangroves as well as its unique flora and fauna. Next, write about the various threats that mangroves are facing which is making them ecologically fragile and climatically vulnerable such as Coastal development, clearing for agriculture, excessive Aquaculture &Salt Production, River changes: Dams and irrigation, Destruction of coral reefs, Pollution and Climate change etc. Cite necessary examples, facts and figures to substantiate your point. Conclusion: Write a way forward to protect the Mangrove ecosystem of India.

Why the question:

A recent global assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has painted a grim picture for the world’s mangrove forests. The analysis revealed that more than 50 per cent of these vital ecosystems are on the verge of collapse due to a combination of human activities and climate change.

Key Demand of the question:

To explain the importance of mangroves and to bring out the various threats faced by them.

Directive:

Comment- here we have to express our knowledge and understanding of the issue and form an overall opinion thereupon.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Begin the answer by briefly writing about mangroves and their ecosystem.

You can draw simple and illustrative of map showing important mangroves.

Write about the role of mangroves as the first line of defence against erosion and flooding. Also mention about the other ecological benefits of mangroves as well as its unique flora and fauna.

Next, write about the various threats that mangroves are facing which is making them ecologically fragile and climatically vulnerable such as Coastal development, clearing for agriculture, excessive Aquaculture &Salt Production, River changes: Dams and irrigation, Destruction of coral reefs, Pollution and Climate change etc. Cite necessary examples, facts and figures to substantiate your point.

Conclusion:

Write a way forward to protect the Mangrove ecosystem of India.