Pichavaram Mangroves Worth ₹2,485 Crore
Study reveals mangrove ecosystem stores 79.449 tonnes of carbon per hectare, underscoring its vital ecological and economic benefits
A recent study on the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem has estimated its Total Economic Value (TEV) at ₹2,485.38 crore, underscoring the significant ecological, economic, and social benefits it provides. The study, conducted by M. Balasubramanian, associate professor at the Centre for Ecological Economics and Natural Resources, Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bengaluru, also found that the mangrove ecosystem acts as a substantial natural carbon sink.
The per-hectare value of the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem is estimated at ₹1.83 crore, reflecting its importance in supporting biodiversity conservation, fisheries productivity, coastal protection, climate regulation, and livelihood security for coastal communities. The mangrove vegetation stores an average of 79.449 tonnes of carbon per hectare, equivalent to approximately 291.33 tonnes of CO2 per hectare, while the mangrove sediments constitute a significant carbon reservoir.
The study was funded by the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Forest Genetics Division, Coimbatore, and primary information was collected from 302 households across five mangrove-dependent villages: MGR Thittu, Kalaignar Nagar, Chinnavaikal, Patriadi, and Mudasalodai. The Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is considered one of the most ecologically significant coastal wetland ecosystems in India, playing a vital role in supporting the local community and the environment.
## Why it matters The study highlights the need for comprehensive assessment of the ecological and economic contributions of mangrove ecosystems, particularly in the face of increasing climate change impacts, biodiversity loss, and coastal vulnerability. Mangrove ecosystems provide a wide range of provisioning, regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services that contribute significantly to ecological sustainability and human well-being. Despite their importance, many ecosystem services remain undervalued in conventional development planning, as several ecological benefits are non-market in nature and are not reflected in market transactions.
The findings of the study emphasize the importance of preserving and protecting mangrove ecosystems, not only for their ecological benefits but also for their economic and social benefits. The study's results can inform policy decisions and development planning, ensuring that the value of mangrove ecosystems is taken into account and that these vital ecosystems are protected for future generations.
