How Gujarat’s villagers turned mangroves into a natural coastal shield

Gujarat’s mangrove cover dramatically increased from 427 sq km in 1987 to over 1,177 sq km by 2026. This significant recovery is attributed to community participation and large-scale plantation programmes. Mangroves provide vital coastal protection and support marine ecosystems and local livelihoods. The government now promotes this approach nationwide through the MISHTI programme. Gujarat’s success demonstrates mangroves as effective natural infrastructure for coastal defense.