Kochi: The ICAR- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has kickstarted a mangrove plantation drive to protect coastal ecosystems as part of the ‘Plant4Mother’ campaign recently launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Around hundred saplings of mangroves in different species were planted adjacent to the coastal water bodies at the campus of CMFRI’s Ernakulam Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Njarakkal. The drive was inaugurated by CMFRI Director Dr Grinson George.
This initiative comes at a crucial time when the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in coastal regions are on the rise due to climate change.
On the importance of the campaign, Dr Grinson George said mangroves act as bio-shield to the coastal belt in protecting the lives of residents in the region from issues such as storm surge, sea erosion, coastal flooding and sea-level rise. Restoring and preserving mangrove ecosystems would help building climate-resilient coastal communities and ensure the well-being of fishers, he said, adding that mangroves also act as breeding ground for many shrimps and fishes.
“The initiative also aims to create awareness among the public on the significance of mangrove forestation and encourage them to participate in similar efforts. In the next phase, CMFRI has plans to collaborate with the local body authorities in Njarakkal and Vypin to accelerate the campaign and extend its reach to more areas”, CMFRI Director said.
As part of the plantation campaign, saplings of various trees were also planted at the premises of CMFRI’s headquarters and its residential quarters in Thevara. The initiative was coordinated by the Marine Biodiversity and Environment Management Division of the CMFRI. Mangrove plantation and tree planting drives were also held at all the Regional Centres and Stations of the CMFRI located across the country.
The ‘Plant4Mother’ campaign which was launched on the occasion of the World Environment Day envisages planting 140 crore trees by March 2025.