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Mangroves Worth ₹2,485 Cr: A Hidden Economic Giant
3 Sep
Summary
- Pichavaram mangroves hold an estimated economic value of ₹2,485.38 crore.
- Mangroves are vital for coastal protection, climate regulation, and biodiversity.
- Most of the blue carbon is stored in mangrove sediments, not vegetation.
The Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem in India possesses a remarkable Total Economic Value (TEV) estimated at ₹2,485.38 crore, with each hectare valued at ₹1.83 crore. This assessment underscores the multifaceted benefits these coastal wetlands provide, extending far beyond their aesthetic appeal.
These vital ecosystems are critical for biodiversity conservation, fisheries, coastal defense, and climate regulation. The study emphasizes that many of these crucial ecological services are often undervalued in conventional development plans due to their non-market nature.
The analysis further highlights that mangrove sediments are substantial carbon reservoirs. The ecosystem's blue carbon asset value, combining vegetation and soil, is estimated at ₹1,612.40 crore. This emphasizes the importance of conserving both mangrove vegetation and the underlying soil systems.
Recommendations from the study include integrating ecosystem service valuation into coastal planning and recognizing mangroves as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation. Developing blue carbon financing mechanisms and incorporating mangrove values into natural capital accounting frameworks are also strongly advocated.
