Vol. 9, Special Issue 4, Part I (2025)

Mangrove forests are vital coastal ecosystems that provide significant ecological, socio-economic, and environmental benefits. In India, where approximately 20% of the population resides in coastal areas, mangroves play a crucial role in stabilizing shorelines, improving water quality, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. Despite their importance, mangrove habitats face severe threats, including deforestation, urbanization, industrial pollution, aquaculture expansion, and the adverse effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. However, conservation efforts in India have led to a steady increase in mangrove cover, rising from 4,046 sq. km in 1987 to 4,992 sq. km in 2021, with significant growth observed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Odisha. The Indian government has implemented various legal frameworks and conservation programs, such as the National Afforestation Programme and the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, to protect and restore these critical ecosystems. Sustainable management strategies, including community participation, stricter regulations, and afforestation initiatives, are essential to ensuring the long-term survival of mangrove forests. This paper highlights the importance, distribution, threats, and conservation measures associated with mangroves in India, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring and sustainable practices for their preservation.