‘Number of climate refugees to touch 1 billion mark by 2050’

Gandhinagar, 27 July 2013

Rising sea level as a result of the global warming is leading to displacement of the people to other areas and number of such climate refugees is expected to touch 1 billion by 2050. In such a scenario, conservation and restoration of mangroves can be one of the good options to mitigate the impact. Similarly, community participation in mangrove management is also important and Gujarat has produced desired result by involving the local community in the process. On the concluding day of the two-day International Workshop on Mangrove Conservation in India, organized by Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC), Gandhinagar at Mahatma Mandir, Gandhinagar, the scholars participating in the debate, also highlighted the gaps and needs of research in mangrove conservation.

Addressing the workshop, H.E. Mr. Tariq A. Karim, High Commissioner, Republic of Bangladesh, said, “Climate change induced displacement of the people has now become a major concern. People from the coastal areas of Bangladesh are moving to other areas in particular to cities in increasing numbers putting stresses on infrastructures and causing social stresses. According to scientific estimates, a meter rise in sea level due to global warming will inundate 18% of Bangladesh landmass and will force 20 million people out of their homes making them climate refugees. Globally, a billion people may be displaced by 2050 as a result of climate change.”

Earlier, taking part in the debate on the community participation in mangrove conservation, Dr. A. K. Verma, IFS, Member Secretary, GEC, said, “For better mangrove management we need better knowledge and sensitivity about the subject particularly among the community, stakeholders and policymakers. Since the direct benefits of mangroves are not sufficient to attract the interest of local community, creating awareness is utmost essential. In addition to that, skill development and training are also important. Whatever good results Gujarat has produced in mangrove restoration would have not been possible without the involvement of the local community.”

It is worthwhile to mention that around 70% of the earth surface is covered by water bodies, and generally the conservation of the natural sinks in the form of mangroves is often neglected. Mangroves are known to absorb carbon emission thereby mitigating the climatic change factors. The management of the vital ecosystem, Mangrove is necessary for the tangible benefits it offers. Gujarat with a long coastline has the second largest mangrove cover in India and the state has adopted public private partnership model to increase its mangrove mantle and regeneration of mangrove forests through a community-based approach by implementing plantation measures.