Mangroves Save 15 Million from Flooding, Store Four Times More Carbon Than Terrestrial Forests

Why in news

The University of Queensland highlighted the role of mangroves as 'blue carbon forests' that sequester four times more carbon than terrestrial forests and protect millions from flooding.

Background

Mangroves cover less than 1% of tropical forests but store vast carbon due to waterlogged soils slowing decomposition. They prevent over US$65 billion in flood damage annually and protect 15 million people from coastal flooding.

Facts for Prelims

• EnvironmentBlue Carbon: Term used for carbon captured by coastal and marine ecosystems like mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.
• FactMangroves sequester four times more carbon than terrestrial forests per unit area.
• BodyUNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) advocates for conservation over restoration due to the long recovery times of mangrove ecosystems.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the significance of 'blue carbon' ecosystems in climate change mitigation and coastal resilience. Evaluate why conservation is prioritized over restoration in mangrove management.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• Ecological bottleneck: Slow decomposition in waterlogged soils facilitates high carbon sequestration compared to terrestrial biomass.
• Economic valuation: Mangroves provide a natural infrastructure buffer, preventing over US$65 billion in annual flood-related damages.
• Policy trade-off: High recovery time of mangroves necessitates a 'conservation-first' approach over active restoration in degraded zones.

Keywords: Blue Carbon · Carbon Sequestration · Coastal Resilience · Climate Mitigation · Ecosystem Services

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