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The Scientist Who Made ‘Mangroves’ a Buzzword – M.S. Swaminathan’s Contributions

26 Jul 2025 GS 3 Environment
The Scientist Who Made ‘Mangroves’ a Buzzword – M.S. Swaminathan’s Contributions Click to view full image

Background & Significance

  • M.S. Swaminathan, pioneering agricultural scientist, and former Executive Director of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).

  • Primary Contribution: Elevated mangroves from a neglected ecosystem to a global symbol of ecological protection and climate adaptation.

  • Four decades of work in mangrove research, management, and policy advocacy.

Turning Point in Global Recognition

  • 1988: UNDP and UNESCO initiated a regional mangrove research project.

  • 1989: M.S. Swaminathan highlighted mangroves' role in climate resilience at a conference in Tokyo:

    • Explained risks from sea level rise, cyclones, salinisation, and loss of livelihoods.

    • Proposed sustainable mangrove management based on:

      • Ecology

      • Economics

      • Equity

      • Biogenetic innovation: e.g., transferring salinity-tolerance genes from mangroves to crops like rice.

International Impact

a. Establishment of ISME (1990)

  • International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems, Okinawa, Japan.

  • M.S. Swaminathan as Founding President (1990–1993).

b. Charter for Mangroves (1992)

  • Incorporated into the World Charter for Nature (UN Conference on Environment and Development, 1992).

  • Continues to serve as a global framework for mangrove conservation.

c. Key Activities of ISME

  • Valuation of mangrove ecosystems (economic & ecological).

  • Workshops, manuals for restoration, and the World Mangrove Atlas.

  • Shifted perception of mangroves from “marshy wastelands” to multi-use coastal ecosystems.

d. GLOMIS (Global Mangrove Database and Information System)

  • Developed under M.S. Swaminathan’s guidance.

  • A global repository on:

    • Mangrove experts, species, and research.

    • Documented mangrove genetic resources.

e. Establishment of Mangrove Genetic Resource Centres (1992)

  • Survey of 23 mangrove sites across 9 countries in South & Southeast Asia and Oceania.

  • These sites are now Protected Areas, managed by respective national governments.

National Impact in India

a. Historical Background

  • Mangrove management in India dates back to 1783 (Sundarbans).

  • Clear-felling for agriculture and settlements during British period.

  • Continued till 1980, when Forest (Conservation) Act was passed.

b. MSSRF’s Role Post-1980

  • Research highlighted degradation due to clear-felling, not local communities.

  • Developed the hydro-ecological ‘fishbone canal’ method of mangrove restoration.

    • Tested in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal.

c. Joint Mangrove Management (JMM) Programme

  • Evolved from MSSRF initiatives.

  • Evaluated and recommended by Ministry of Environment and Forests in 2000.

  • Led to greater Central and State investment in mangrove conservation.

Impact of Natural Disasters

  • Mangroves played a protective role during:

    • 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone.

    • 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami.

  • Reinforced their disaster mitigation capacity and ecological importance.

Present Status and Recognition

a. World Mangrove Day

  • Celebrated annually on July 26 to raise awareness.

b. India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023

  • Total mangrove cover: 4,991.68 sq. km, i.e., 0.15% of India’s geographical area.

  • Net increase since ISFR 2019: +16.68 sq. km.



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