Vulnerability and adaptation of ecologically sensitive mangrove habitats to the changing climate

Abstract

Maldive islands on Laccadive archipelago, from Indian Ocean sustain multi tier ecologically sensitive marine habitats in shallow and intertidal zones. They consist of coral, seagrass, seaweed, mangrove and sand dune ecosystems, of a great ecological and socioeconomic significance. Mangroves and seagrasses form the predominant source at the interface of sea. Considering present scenario of global climate change, sea level rise (SLR) and resultant calamities, as well as the proximity of islands to SLR (Church et al, 2006), these habitats are of a vital importance in protecting the coast and minimizing damage to the property and life. The present paper predicts the major implications of the climate change on the natural resources; particularly mangroves based on the case studies in India and put forward the remedial measures for conservation of island ecosystem.