Mangrove restoration in India has gained policy momentum through the MISHTI scheme, but plantation-based approaches may not replicate the ecological value of natural mangroves. Critically examine.

MISHTI scheme aims to expand mangrove cover through plantation and restoration, supporting India's commitments under the Green India Mission and the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (COP27).

Significance

• Climate mitigation: Mangroves are among the most efficient blue carbon ecosystems, storing 3–5 times more carbon than tropical forests (IUCN).
• Disaster resilience: Natural barriers against cyclones, storm surges and coastal erosion. (Odisha's mangroves reduced Cyclone Fani's impact.)
• Livelihoods: Support fisheries, ecotourism and coastal communities.
• Biodiversity conservation: Critical habitat for fish, crustaceans and migratory birds.

Limitations of Plantation-based Approach

• Fails to restore ecosystem complexity: Artificial plantations cannot recreate the biodiversity, hydrology and food webs of natural mangroves.

For example, The Sundarbans support Bengal tigers, estuarine crocodilesand rich microbial diversity, which cannot be recreated through plantations.

• Reduced resilience: Preference for fast-growing species reduces ecological resilience. For example, several plantations in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh experienced low survival due to unsuitable tidal flushing.
• Poor site selection: Plantations in unsuitable mudflats or salt marshes may damage local ecosystems. UNESCO-IUCN cautions against converting natural mudflats into mangrove plantations.
• Neglect of degradation drivers: Plantations alone cannot offset losses from ports, aquaculture, pollution and CRZ violations.

Hence, the need of the hour is to adopt ecological restoration rather than tree planting by restoring tidal hydrology, protecting existing mangroves through ICZM, ensuring community participation, and implementing Blue Carbon and Nature-based Solutions approaches.