Does Cultivating Dense Mangrove Forests in 2021 seem to be economical?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo first studied it, and the record has been sourced from a meta-analysis. Researches made it evident that the process of mangrove forest restoration can be profitable for the environment and the economy. It has been observed that for every dollar utilized to restore the mangrove forests, the ecosystem will provide $6.83 to 10 dollars at an average in returns for the consecutive twenty years.

The range of outcomes is determined by different economic projections of how much capital is spent to restore the plantation compared to that process’s prospect and monetary worth. The capita profits would be beneficial for the degraded habitats. The research was published in Nature Communications. 

What are mangrove forests, and why is it beneficial for the ecosystem?

Mangrove forests refer to the coastal vegetation consisting of mangroves. The plant is a shrub or tree by habit and is usually distributed in coastal saline or brackish water. Mangrove forests are spread across the entire world, and mainly, it is found in the tropics and even the subtropics. Mangrove forests have become distributed around the globe due to the movement of tectonic plates. Moreover, the woods were introduced during the cretaceous period dating back to the Paleocene epochs.

Mangrove forests have always been a significant part of the ecosystem. Moreover, it is beneficial for multiple reasons. Mangrove forests perform essential ecological functions such as nutrient cycling, hydrological regime, coastal protection, and many more. The mangrove has also been a rich source of flora and fauna diversity in that region.

In addition, mangrove plantations have a significant impact on the abiotic components of the ecosystem as well. It acts as shock absorbers and helps to prevent soil erosion. The forests have also provided livelihood opportunities to many people living in that area.

Looking at the various advantages of mangrove forests, the researchers have taken a drastic step to research mangrove forests. Now, the question arises, Would mangrove forest restoration be economical?

Economic point of view of Mangrove Forest Restoration:

One of the most important global policy agendas includes the concept of ecosystem restoration. The current United Nations Decades of Ecosystems emphasizes conservation and restoration of various natural macro ecosystems such as a wetland. Mangrove forests fall under the wetland ecosystem, and the United Nations Agenda cover their restoration. The continuing discussions of the delegates of the U.N Convention of Biological Diversity of Post 2020 Framework have planned five conservation goals that have to be met by the year 2050. One of the objectives is to restore at least 20% of the ecosystem.  

Alexander Gasparatos, an Associate Professor, working at the University of Tokyo, has stated that they look forward to mangrove forest restoration’s ecological benefits and economic value. Many experts have said that mangroves are one of the most carbon-rich habitats in the ecosystem. Apart from this, they resist extreme environmental conditions. It also serves as the critical source of food and fauna for the various species inhabiting that region.

Are Mangrove Forests in Risks of Extinction?

Mangrove forests are an essential aspect of a healthy ecosystem. However, studies have shown that they are at primary risk of extinction. It is due to increased climate change, coastal area development, pollution, exploitation of humans, and various other anthropogenic factors. Data collected from genuine sources state that the mangrove forest ecosystem drastically reduces at a rate of 0.13% every year worldwide. The trend has been recorded from the year 2000- 2016. 

So, the ecologists are mainly emphasizing reversing the downward trend of the mangrove habitat. Many ambitious projects have been introduced to achieve this goal. For the last 40 years, new mangrove trees have cultivated 2000 square kilometres of the land. In addition, many degraded mangrove habitats have been identified which are on the verge of undergoing restoration. 

The outcome of Mangrove Restoration:

The outcomes of mangrove restoration are not entirely a new topic. The process of mangrove restoration can be carried out in limited ecological regions. However, many people tend to miss the bigger picture. Various data collected by researchers have shown that mangrove restored forests do not overcome the natural mangrove vegetation. But, their performance is much better than the unvegetated land.

The scientists have finally concluded that the mangrove restoration project seems prospective and will yield better results shortly.

Article Proofread and Edited by Shreedatri Banerjee