SUNDARBANS’ RESILIENCE TO STRESS

PRELIMS BITS 

• Study by IIT Bombay: Highlights resilience to extreme weather and pollution but with limited self-repair abilities.
• Key Findings:
  • Weather Resilience: Mangroves recover within 1-2 weeks after cyclones.
  • Nutrient Stability: Maintain productivity despite water pollution.
  • Increased Link Strength: Mangroves stabilize productivity by linking with hydro-meteorological variables.

About Mangroves

• Definition: Woody plants thriving in salty water near the sea.
• Characteristics: High carbon densities, essential for global carbon budgets.
• Indian Mangroves: Bhitarkanika, Pichavaram, Chorao Island, Gulf of Kutch, Vembanad Kol, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

About Sundarbans

• Location: Delta of Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna in India and Bangladesh.
• Global Significance: Largest contiguous mangrove forest, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ramsar Site.
• Threats: Classified as endangered in the 2020 IUCN Red List.
• Ecosystem Services: Protects coastal communities from floods, supports livelihoods and blue economy.