Blue carbon refers to the carbon that is stored in coastal and marine ecosystems, including mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes. These vital ecosystems absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide and sequester it in biomass and sediments, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Mangroves are exceptionally efficient at capturing and storing carbon due to their dense root systems and waterlogged soils. They have the capability to store carbon for extended periods, effectively reducing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.
Between 2021 and 2024, Tamil Nadu's mangrove cover has nearly doubled, increasing from 4,500 hectares to 9,039 hectares. This remarkable growth is attributed to new plantations covering 3,625 hectares and the conservation of existing forests totaling 5,414 hectares.
The Tiruvarur district boasts the highest mangrove area, with 2,142 hectares, followed closely by Thanjavur with 2,063 hectares. Other notable districts include Cuddalore and Nagapattinam, with mangrove areas of 1,117 hectares and 1,021 hectares, respectively.
Regions with high carbon stocks, such as Cuddalore (249 tonnes/ha), Tiruvarur (145 tonnes/ha), and Thanjavur (77.5 tonnes/ha), are vital as they absorb and store carbon more effectively, acting as long-term carbon sinks essential for climate mitigation.
Mangroves offer a plethora of ecosystem services, including coastal protection from erosion and storms, support for marine biodiversity, aid in nutrient cycling, and function as breeding grounds for various fish and marine species.
The health of mangrove forests is under threat from invasive species such as Prosopis juliflora, which competes with native vegetation. Human activities, including deforestation, pollution, and coastal development, also pose significant risks to these ecosystems.
To ensure the sustainability of mangrove conservation efforts, it is recommended to promote sustainable livelihoods such as eco-tourism, implement carbon credit programs, and adopt district-specific conservation strategies aimed at protecting and expanding mangrove ecosystems.
"Nature is not a place to visit. It is home."
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