Relevance (UPSC GS-III: Environment—ecosystems, conservation schemes; Disaster management; Blue economy)

What’s the news?

Under MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes), about 22,500 hectares have been taken up nationwide for mangrove restoration/plantation, with roughly 85% of the area in Gujarat—notably along the Gulf of Kachchh and Kori Creek. The focus is on climate resilience, coastal livelihoods, and biodiversity recovery.

Why mangroves matter

• Natural shields against cyclones, storm surges and erosion.
  
• Major blue-carbon sinks: store more carbon per hectare than many terrestrial forests.
  
• Fish nursery grounds → better incomes for fishing communities.
  
• Salinity control and improved water quality in creeks and estuaries.
  

About MISHTI

• Announced in Union Budget 2023-24 to restore and expand mangrove cover across states/UTs.
  
• Convergence model: uses CAMPA funds, MGNREGS labour, and coastal missions of states.
  
• Works via site selection, species mix (e.g., Avicennia, Rhizophora), community participation, and survival monitoring rather than only planting targets.
  

Why Gujarat leads

• Long indented coastline with mudflats/creeks ideal for mangroves.
  
• Large degraded patches available for assisted regeneration.
  
• Active state mangrove cell and partnerships with research/ports/industry for fencing, nurseries and watch & ward.
  

What to watch next

• Survival rate tracking (2–3 years).
  
• Livelihood pilots: crab/fish value chains, eco-tourism guides, honey from mangrove flora.
  
• Disaster-risk reduction metrics for cyclone-prone districts.
  

Exam hook

Link MISHTI to disaster management, climate mitigation (blue carbon), and community livelihoods; add one case point from Gujarat’s creek systems.

UPSC Prelims question

With reference to MISHTI, consider the following:

1. It aims to expand mangrove cover along India’s coasts and estuaries.
   
2. It relies only on CAMPA funds and does not use any employment programme.
   
3. Blue-carbon benefits are a rationale for the scheme.
   Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
   (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
   

Answer: (b)

One-line wrap
Restore mangroves, and you secure coasts, store carbon, and strengthen coastal livelihoods—MISHTI makes all three happen together.