Importance and depletion of mangroves | UPSC 2020
The candidates appearing for the UPSC 2020 exam are required to fill the UPSC 2020 form as their foremost step after which they can start their preparation to gain the highest score. Few subjects are enlisted under the UPSC 2020 optional subject, from which the candidates are required to make a wise choice according to their will and interest.
The candidates are required to know about various topics to help them widen their horizons. One of the main topic which is essential for the candidates to know in today’s time when the planet is at great risk and all the species be it humans or different kinds of plants and animals is the causes of depletion of mangroves and their importance in maintaining the coastal ecology.
Mangroves are depleting at a high rate as according to a recent report it has been found that 92% of the mangroves are under great threat due to the changes in the ecosystem. Questions like depletion of mangroves are an important part of the UPSC 2020 exam.
Importance of mangroves in maintaining the coastal ecology:
- Mangroves are essential as they are biodiversity hotspots as they provide different kinds of species and breeding habitat for migratory birds.
- As mangroves are capable of storing more carbon dioxide as compared to other forests, therefore it can prevent all sorts of climatic changes which would have a drastic effect on the lives of the living organisms on this planet.
- Mangroves maintain the water quality as they filter, purify the water by trapping the sediments which are harmful to the humans and also other living organisms
- Mangroves are also a source of livelihood for the farmers as they provide medicinal plants, timber, and edible plants.
- Mangroves also act as shock absorbers as they prevent soil erosion on the shorelines by reducing waves and tides.
- The regions which are prone to tsunamis, mangroves help to minimize their occurrence in these places.
Causes of depletion of mangroves:
Pollution: Mangroves are being depleted primarily due to pollution as the fertilizers and pesticides used for the crops travel through the rivers and harm the mangroves in one way or the other. The domestic sewage and industrial waste are also dumped in the water bodies which poses a great threat to mangroves.
Fall in the level of river water: For the ecosystem to work proportionately there must be a balance between the saltwater and sweet water. Due to the construction of dams the mangroves are facing a great threat. Destruction of the coral reefs:
The coral reefs act as great barriers as they help prevent strong water currents and waves but their destruction has caused the erosion of the coast which consists of fine substance which helps mangroves to grow.
Clearing of Mangroves: Many mangrove forests have been cleared to build human settlements, agricultural land, industrial areas and other formation which would be beneficial. Climate change: Mangroves are depleting due to the change in the climate that is a rise in the temperature and low rainfall.
The UPSC 2020 exam will contain various questions on topics related to the environment. So if you want to prepare properly, don’t forget to go through previous year UPSC papers and UPSC 2020 syllabus.