Pichavaram Ecosystem

Why in News?

A recent study of the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem estimated its Total Economic Value (TEV).

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest

• Situated in – Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu, India, in proximity to the town of Chidambaram.
• Geographical Context – The forest lies between the Vellar estuary to the north and the Coleroon (Kollidam) estuary to the south.
• It forms part of the Vellar-Coleroon estuarine complex, contributing to the formation of the Killai backwaters.
• Coverage – An area of approximately 1,478 hectares (14.78 square kilometres).

Ecological Significance: Pichavaram is one of India’s largest mangrove forests, with trees rooted in shallow water and an extensive canal network.

Global Risk: According to the IUCN 2024 assessment, 50% of the world’s mangroves are at risk of collapse.

Carbon Reservoir: The Pichavaram mangroves serve as a major blue-carbon sink and play a vital role in climate regulation.

• Ecosystem Services
  • Provisioning services – support for fisheries and provision of livelihood resources
  • Regulating services – Coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation
  • Supporting services – Maintenance of biodiversity and enhancement of ecosystem productivity
  • Cultural services – Tourism opportunities and recreational values
• A significant challenge is that many ecosystem services are non-market in nature and are consequently undervalued in conventional economic planning.
• Policy Recommendations
  • Integrate ecosystem service valuation in coastal planning.
  • Recognise mangroves as nature-based solutions for climate adaptation and disaster risk reduction.
  • Develop blue carbon financing, payment for ecosystem services (PES) schemes, and Green GDP frameworks.
  • Promote sustainable livelihoods, including fisheries, eco-tourism, restoration, and community conservation.
  • Strengthen climate resilience and biodiversity through long-term ecosystem-based management.

Reference

The Hindu | Pichavaram Ecosystem