Global Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation Day or World Mangrove Day is celebrated on July 26th every year. A resolution to recognize July 26th as the International Day for the Protection of the Mangrove Ecosystem or World Mangrove Day was adopted at the 38th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 2015. World Mangrove Day is aimed at raising awareness on the value of mangrove habitats as "a rare, special and fragile environment" and encouraging environmental management, restoration and solutions.
Mangroves are the unique and abundant habitats on the border between land and sea, contributing to worldwide coastal communities' well-being, food security, and defense. In India, mangroves are distributed throughout the West and East Coasts, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Mangroves promote rich biodiversity and provide the fish and crustaceans with safe habitats. Mangroves serve as a form of natural protection for storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion, and their soils are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestrating large quantities of carbon. Mangroves minimize exposure to natural hazards, and increase resistance to impacts of climate change. Mangroves minimize flooding, attenuate waves and even decrease storm surges.
Nature has provided us with many valuable resources that are necessary for human existence and it is our duty as a generation to use them wisely and to protect them from all kinds of adversities. One of them is the mangrove forest which is very important for protecting the coastal ecosystem.
On this Day, I urge all to take responsibility for raising awareness for Mangrove Ecosystem Conservation and for raising the interest of mangroves. The Day also serves as an occasion to reflect on our personal contribution to the protection of nature and biodiversity, and to encourage concerted action for a sustainable future.
Director
Department of Environment