Nurturing the Planet

Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants growing in the coastal zone in the tidal areas and estuaries of rivers. Mangroves play a very significant role in maintaining the coastal environment, reducing the impact of wave action and erosion in the coastal areas, preventing salinity and seawater ingress into the inland agricultural areas, and protecting the coastline from the impact of cyclones. Apart from these ecological functions, mangroves play a very significant economic role in the lives of the coastal village communities. The villagers are dependent on mangroves for fodder, fuelwood, and fishing.