How a community-led mangrove restoration initiative aims to protect Odisha against cyclones

The scars of the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone still linger along the statersquos coastline When the storm made landfall near Paradip on October 29 with wind speeds exceeding 250 kmph it claimed nearly 10000 lives and left a trail of devastation across coastal OdishaIn Astarangarsquos Balipanthal and Birudipanthal villages alone around 580 homes were destroyed 10 people lost their lives hundreds were injured and nearly 80 per cent of agricultural land was rendered infertile by brackish seawater intrusion The disaster became a turning point prompting largescale mangrove afforestation efforts by the Forest and Wildlife Department to help shield vulnerable coastal communities from future cyclones and storm surgesThe ChallengesOdisha is home to 35 true mangrove species across 20 genera and 14 families making it one of Indiarsquos most ecologically significant coastal ecosystems The statersquos mangrove forests once spanned nearly 500 sq km along the coastline in the 1940s but have since shrunk to about 227 sq km due to habitat loss and degradationWe learnt that the regeneration process begins with seed collection during the early monsoon months of June and July when mature mangrove seeds naturally detach from trees and float in tidal watersSadly fishing communities often perceive dense mangrove roots as obstacles to docking boats and storing fishing equipment leading to conflict between livelihoods and conservation This leads to overgrazing by livestock that damages young mangrove seedlings and disrupts natural regeneration Illegal felling of mature mangrove trees for fuelwood creates gaps in mangrove patches and weakens the ecosystem Breaches made in embankments for shrimp farming too alter water flow damage mangrove habitats and reduce biodiversityThe Silent ProtectorsBuilding on these lessons the IndoGlobal Social Service Society IGSSS in collaboration with DIAGEO launched an insitu mangrove afforestation initiative in Birudipanthal village in 2023 The project adopts a naturebased approach to coastal resilience restoring degraded mangrove habitats while addressing challenges such as soil erosion biodiversity loss and climate vulnerability Beyond ecological restoration the initiative seeks to strengthen local livelihoods recognising that the longterm success of conservation depends as much on community participation as it does on planting treesOn a hot day in June we were welcomed to Astaranga by garlands tikas and the piercing rhythmic sound of hulahuli traditional Odia ululation performed by women to mark auspicious beginnings We then boarded a boat and glided through the creek coconut water in hand as the mangrove canopy slowly closed in around us like a living embrace It was at least five degrees cooler than the scorching heat outsideWe learnt that the regeneration process begins with seed collection during the early monsoon months of June and July when mature mangrove seeds naturally detach from trees and float in tidal waters Local youth collect these seeds from nearby mangrove forests and use them to raise saplings in community nurseries that are set up along riverbanks managed by village women and protected with bamboo fencing Positioned to receive regular tidal flows the nurseries provide the brackish water conditions essential for healthy mangrove growth preparing the seedlings for plantation a few months laterWe deboarded and planted a sapling at one of the projectrsquos sites playing a tiny yet significant role in restoring the villagersquos coastal mangrove ecology Through this Signature Packaged Drinking Waterrsquos One With Nature initiative Diageo has supported this communityled mangrove regeneration project for three years The idea is to rebuild living ecosystems that can protect coastlines support biodiversity and sustain local communities for generations to come Aanandita Datta vice president and portfolio head Marketing Diageo India shares ldquoThe Mangrove Regeneration Project in Odisha is a powerful expression of what we stand for communitydriven action ongoing commitment and meaningful environmental progress With our proposition lsquoOne With Naturersquo we are celebrating the quiet strength of ecosystems such as mangroves and the people who work every day to protect them This initiative will create lasting value for both people and the planet inspiring our audiences and supporting us to care for nature in naturerdquoProshin Ghosh mangrove practitioner thematic lead climate change IndoGlobal Social Service Society said ldquoThe initiative works closely with coastal communities whose lives have been intertwined with these ecosystems for generations Their understanding of tidal patterns water flow seasonal changes soil conditions and the historical health of the mangroves plays a critical role in determining where and how restoration takes place This local ecological knowledge helps ensure that interventions are rooted in the realities of the region and designed for longterm successrdquoldquoBeyond environmental restoration the project also creates meaningful livelihood opportunities for local communities through nursery management sapling cultivation plantation activities monitoring and ecosystem protection The idea is to equip community members to continue stewarding the mangroves well beyond the active restoration period That ownership is a must Conservation and livelihood development must go hand in hand ensuring that the benefits are felt not only by the environment but also by the people who depend on it every dayrdquoSince 2023 the project has worked to restore over 62 acres of degraded coastal land planting more than 30000 mangrove saplings across five villages According to the India State of Forest Report 2023 mangrove cover has increased by 2 sq km between 2021 and 2023 signalling the success of conservation and plantation efforts The longterm survival of Odisharsquos mangroves will depend on balancing this with the needs and participation of local communitiesThe timing felt poignant As we joined restoration efforts in Odisha a state that hosts Indiarsquos richest mainland mangrove diversity news continued to swirl around the proposed felling of more than 45000 mangrove trees for the VersovandashBhayandar road project near Mumbai Mangroves are guardians along Indiarsquos coastline that ask for nothing in return They donrsquot make noise or demand recognition They stand roots deep in the earth absorbing what the world throws at them Itrsquos time we stand for themDid You KnowMangroves are known to absorb up to four times more carbon dioxide than rainforests They are among naturersquos most powerful defences against climate change as they anchor coastlines shelter marine life reduce the impact of cyclones and storm surges and support the livelihoods of millions living along Indiarsquos shores