Nature Conservancy’s key focus areas
We are one of the world’s largest conservation organisations. The Nature Conservancy has a team of over 4,000 global staff, including 1,000 scientists working across 81 countries. This organisation is embedded in bringing science to influence policy and programmes for impact.
In India, our work focuses on thematic pillars around freshwater conservation, priority landscapes, renewable energy, regenerative agriculture and natural climate solutions. These areas all align with India’s environmental priorities.
Now, the last one is natural climate solutions. This is where our efforts include mangrove restoration, particularly in the Sundarbans, in blue carbon systems like mangroves and salt marshes, which are powerful carbon sinks. This aligns with India’s programmes and motivations, especially the MISHTI scheme, the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes, which contributes to both climate goals and community well-being. Additionally, India’s nationally determined contributions, the first update in 2022, included commitments to enhance forest cover, including mangroves. So that again links to government policy.
Mangrove Work
Mangroves are often called the forests of the sea. I was reading a recent quotation that I found very powerful: “Mangroves are guardians of the coast, the silent and quiet sentinels that shield life from the storm.”
In India, we are working with local communities and governments to implement restoration projects, enhance coastal resilience, and raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and biodiversity. We are working on a 160-hectare plot in the Sundarbans with communities, especially women’s self-help groups, to bring about restoration, generate green jobs, and build coastal resilience.
The Global Mangrove Alliance is a coalition of organisations including the Nature Conservancy, WWF, Wetlands International and IUCN. Together, we are working to increase global mangrove cover by 20% by 2030. We have just joined the newly formed Global Mangrove Alliance India chapter, where we will work with partners to draft a future framework and strategy for mangrove restoration in India.
During the tsunami, mangroves were of great help. They are an amazing barrier against threats like tsunamis.
India’s Standing
India holds about 3% of the world’s total mangrove area, placing it among the top 10 mangrove-rich nations. We have about 5,000 square kilometres, predominantly in West Bengal (42%), Gujarat (24%) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (12%).
Recent scientific assessments show that half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk—vulnerable or critically endangered. Globally, the main drivers of deforestation are climate change, sea-level rise and stronger storms, and human land conversion such as shrimp farming, agriculture and urban development. India faces the same threats, and at times with greater intensity.
Shrimp aquaculture is a major culprit in mangrove degradation in states like Andhra Pradesh, parts of Gujarat and West Bengal. Sea-level rise and increased cyclones particularly threaten Tamil Nadu and island regions like Lakshadweep. Coastal development, ports, tourism, pollution and irresponsible habitation add further pressure.
However, India is also making substantial efforts to leverage mangroves for climate action. India recognises the value of mangroves in sequestering carbon, protecting shorelines and supporting fisheries. The MISHTI programme, launched in 2023, aims to restore mangroves across 540 square kilometres in nine states and four union territories by 2028. Nearly Rs 18 crore have been allocated for 2024–25, aligned with other schemes such as the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) and MNREGA. India is setting an example for other countries.
Nature-Based vs Tech Solutions
India faces rising sea levels, cyclones, saltwater intrusion and human development pressures. Traditionally, India has invested heavily in grey infrastructure—concrete structures and embankments with limited long-term resilience.
Nature-based solutions, especially mangrove restoration, offer a powerful alternative to tackle climate challenges by combining coastal defence, climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation and livelihood protection. They consistently outperform grey infrastructure.
For example, seawalls and embankments protect only narrow zones and are often overtopped during major cyclones. Mangroves absorb storm surges, reduce wave height by up to 66%, and are self-repairing. They sequester four times more carbon per hectare than tropical forests, while grey infrastructure emits carbon during construction. Mangroves support around 5,700 species in India, crucial for fisheries and birds, whereas seawalls fragment ecosystems and worsen erosion.
India’s best pathway is integrated hybrid systems—mangroves as the first line of defence, supported by grey infrastructure. It is not an either-or approach.
Role in SDGs
Mangroves contribute to several SDGs. SDG 13 (climate action) through carbon sequestration; SDG 14 (life below water) by providing marine habitat; SDG 11 (sustainable cities) through coastal protection; and SDG 15 (life on land). Protecting and restoring mangroves advances many SDGs simultaneously.
Policy & Finance
There are many opportunities for policy reform. The National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change and the Green India Mission already prioritise nature-based solutions in coastal zones. MISHTI recognises mangroves as frontline climate buffers. The Coastal Regulation Zone notification protects ecologically sensitive mangrove areas.
Improvements can be made in policy alignment, tenure clarity, co-management rights, and financing. Innovative financing models—green bonds, carbon credits, and public-private partnerships—can support large-scale and sustained restoration.
Blended finance combines public grants (CAMPA, MISHTI) with private CSR funds, multilateral agencies like GEF and the Green Climate Fund, and philanthropy. Blue carbon markets could develop verified carbon credits under India’s voluntary carbon market. We have begun piloting community carbon projects in the Sundarbans.
Payment for ecosystem services can reward communities for maintaining mangroves. Green bonds are emerging, with support from institutions such as NABARD. Community involvement and benefit-sharing are essential.
Key Barriers
Studies show that mangroves provide an estimated $17 billion per year in global flood-protection benefits. Drawing on global experience, India can leverage market-driven financing, carbon credits, data-driven planning, and integrated infrastructure.
Barriers include institutional overlap among multiple agencies; lack of blue carbon credit mechanisms (India has not yet issued a mangrove carbon credit); insecure land tenure; and insufficient monitoring. There is no national map of restoration-ready mangrove sites with species suitability.
At the Nature Conservancy in India, we are building a geo-lab to map mangrove species and suitability, working with government institutions. Long-term community incentives are vital—financing alone is not enough; communities must have ownership and reasons to stay engaged.
Community Role
It is essential to engage local communities and the youth. Awareness, education, capacity building and employment opportunities are key. Environmental education programmes in schools can raise awareness, while green job pathways can be created.
Ideas include a mangrove champion network training youth leaders as restoration ambassadors; vocational courses on nursery management, restoration techniques and GIS/GPS mapping; carbon sampling training; eco-education field schools; and mangrove learning hubs. Mobile apps and citizen science tools can excite young people and encourage participation.
As youth grow older, eco-entrepreneurship can be supported—businesses in mangrove-related honey, crafts, nature tourism—with seed funding or grants. Cultural tools such as festivals, street plays and folk art can promote mangrove conservation. Youth podcasts and social media can further spread awareness and inspire engagement.
