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Socio-Ecological Dynamics of Mangroves

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Subha chakraborty
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15 views2 pages

Socio-Ecological Dynamics of Mangroves

Uploaded by

Subha chakraborty
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Abstract

Mangroves are very prevalent coastal ecosystems found in tropical and subtropical regions.
They serve as crucial habitats, offering shelter and sustenance to a diverse range of creatures,
including nearshore fisheries. Additionally, they play a significant role in regulating the coastal
economy and supporting livelihood management via both direct and indirect means.
Mangroves are crucial assets of coastal areas that play a significant role in our socio-economic
progress. These significant resources are located in tropical and subtropical climates, namely
in areas where freshwater and saltwater meet. Mangroves are regarded as valuable natural
resources due to their ability to sequester carbon, act as coastal barriers, protect shorelines,
provide food, fuel, and construction materials, and safeguard biodiversity (Halpern et al. 2008).

This study aimed to illustrate the socio-ecological relationship between mangrove and
fisherman communities in the changing physio-climatic conditions which are executed using a
hybrid methodology integrating geospatial with ethnographic research methods techniques in
the coastal starch of North Andaman, India.

The first part of the present research focused on the micro-zoning of the mangrove-dominated
coastal ecosystem of a particular island group in the Andaman archipelago and the suitability
mapping of this specific ecosystem. Identification and mapping of mangrove forests using
Remote Sensing and GIS techniques helps to generate long-term information to understand the
vegetation dynamics. In this section, the mangrove cover has been studied over 1988, 1993,
2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2018 which shows a clear decrease of mangrove coverages.
Afterwards, the status of the vegetation, i.e., the health of the mangrove has been analysed
using various vegetation indices and estimation of net primary productivity. The result shows
a sharp decline trend in vegetation health over 1988-2024. This vital evidence proves
mangroves are under threat. To get more understanding of this declining trend a multicriteria
decision technique has been used to estimate the future mangrove coverage under different
climatic (RCP) scenarios. It will help to prepare futuristic ecosystem planning aspects.

After getting the depletion trend, detailed village-level land use and land cover change have
been estimated via remote sensing-based classification techniques. The outcome of this
classification shows a decreasing trend in mangrove cover and an increasing trend in settlement
zones. This conversation of land use poses a negative impact on the ecosystem and increases
the risk over the region which is studied using MCDM techniques. In this analysis, multiple
social-ecological, and climatic factors are considered to prepare the present and future risk
zones.

Finally, socio-ecology has been studied using participatory and ethnographic techniques. A
total number of thirteen mangrove-dependent fishing villages are selected amount 37 villages
to draw the core socio-ecological relationship between the amount fisherman community and
the mangrove forest. Several focus group discussions and individual interviews have been
conducted from 2017 to 2013 to illustrate the relationship. The outcome shows there is a strong
and direct relationship between mangrove forests and the fishing community. The depletion of
forests creates scarcities in aquatic life which influences the socio-economic balance of the
fisherman community. To address this imbalance, the Wayfinder resilience tool has been used
to find out the potential leverage points that will help to reduce the problem sustainably.

The study will generate a general understanding of the region at a minute level, which helps
the academicians, researchers, and policymakers to extend their knowledge about the status of
an ecosystem, its change pattern, the socio-ecological relationship, and sustainable
management aspects of Diglipur region. It will illustrate a basic framework to the regional
planners and managers for sustainable land-use planning, especially an emphasis on mangrove
socio-ecology. Local stakeholders will get a real idea about how the mangrove is changing
rapidly, the present status of land use, and what will be the future mangrove status along with
risk factors in the coming decades. The outcomes will also guide all levels of stakeholders to
understand the complexities of the present scenario, the inherent resilience factors, community
aspirations and the possible leverage points to solve the problem sustainably. This approach
was presented through this study which aimed to promote sustainable development and a
healthy socio-ecological relationship over the region.

Keyword
Socio-Ecological System, Resilience, Mangrove Dynamics, LULC, FMSI,CCRI

Common questions

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The Wayfinder resilience tool is used to identify potential leverage points within the mangrove ecosystem that could mitigate the adverse effects of mangrove depletion on local communities. It helps in understanding and addressing socio-ecological challenges sustainably by providing a systematic approach to finding solutions that consider both the environment and community needs .

Remote Sensing and GIS techniques are instrumental in the identification and mapping of mangrove forests. They offer long-term data for understanding vegetation dynamics and are used to monitor changes in mangrove coverage and health. This information helps in planning and assessing the impact of various conservation and management strategies .

The mangrove cover in the North Andaman region has shown a decreasing trend from 1988 to 2024. Remote Sensing and GIS techniques reveal a significant decline in mangrove coverage, particularly in 1988, 1993, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2018. Vegetation health has also declined significantly over this period, which is supported by various vegetation indices and net primary productivity assessments .

Participatory and ethnographic research methods provide in-depth insights into how environmental changes, such as the decline of mangrove forests, impact local communities. By involving local stakeholders through focus group discussions and interviews, researchers can gather qualitative data on community perceptions, enhance stakeholder engagement, and tailor management strategies that reflect local needs and values, thus bridging gaps between ecological data and socio-economic realities .

The decline in mangrove forests has led to scarcities in aquatic life, which disrupts the socio-economic balance among fishing communities. This decline affects their livelihoods, as mangrove-dependent fisheries are a primary source of income and sustenance. The depletion affects not only the availability of fish but also increases the vulnerability of these communities to economic instability .

Local stakeholders face challenges such as rapid land-use change, declining fish stocks, and increased vulnerability of coastal communities. Addressing these requires an integrative approach that combines technological tools like GIS for monitoring, participatory methods for stakeholder engagement, and resilience tools like Wayfinder to identify leverage points. This approach helps in devising strategies that are sustainable, inclusive, and adaptable to changes .

The study employs a hybrid methodology integrating geospatial and ethnographic research methods. Techniques include Remote Sensing and GIS for mapping and analyzing mangrove cover changes, multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) for future risk assessment, and participatory techniques like focus group discussions and individual interviews to explore socio-ecological relationships. These approaches allow for a comprehensive understanding of the interdependence between mangroves and local communities .

Long-term monitoring of mangrove ecosystems using Remote Sensing and GIS provides essential data on vegetation dynamics, changes in land use, and the health of mangrove forests over time. This information is critical for regional planners and managers to develop sustainable land-use plans, assess future risks, and ensure the socio-economic sustainability of communities dependent on mangroves. It also aids in anticipating future challenges and implementing effective conservation strategies .

Mangroves are critical coastal ecosystems predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions. They serve as habitats, providing shelter and sustenance to various species, including nearshore fisheries. Additionally, mangroves regulate coastal economies by supporting livelihoods directly through resources like food, fuel, and construction materials, and indirectly by acting as coastal barriers and in carbon sequestration .

The study uses multicriteria decision techniques to estimate future mangrove coverage under different climatic scenarios. A significant finding is that without intervention, mangrove coverage might continue to decrease, affecting ecosystem services and local livelihoods. This necessitates strategic ecosystem planning to mitigate potential future risks and ensure sustainable management of these vital resources .

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