PRESS RELEASE

CHENNAI: JULY 14, 2023

The Hon’ble Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, released the book titled ‘Biodiversity and Importance of Mangrove Ecosystem’ today (14/07/2023) in Chennai. The book is authored by scientists from the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), and provides a comprehensive overview of the mangrove ecosystem in India. It is available for young readers in three languages – English, Tamil, and Telugu, and can be downloaded from the MSSRF website (www.mssrf.org). The book is pictorial with simple descriptions to explain mangrove species across India, medicinal uses of mangroves, and several wildlife creatures that thrive in the ecosystem. It showcases biodiversity benefits to the environment, and graphic representations of how mangroves help in dealing with climate change.

The Minister recognised the need to make such resources accessible in Indian languages for the ordinary person. He also visited the MSSRF office and interacted with scientists.

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson M S Swaminathan Research Foundation: 

“MSSRF’s work on coastal systems has focused on mangrove conservation through community participation. Unless the local community has an economic stake in the local ecology, conservation will not be sustainable. Mangroves ecosystems are complex and provide many opportunities for livelihoods, apart from protecting coastal communities and sequestering carbon.”

Dr R Ramasubramanian, Senior Fellow, Coastal Systems Research  

“The book is intended to create awareness among the school-going children so that they may have a better understanding about the mangrove ecosystem and its importance to humankind. The book provides an overview of mangrove distribution in India as well as in other parts of the world, flora and faunal diversity, impacts of pollution, role in reducing the disasters like cyclones, economic values, etc. MSSRF is working along the east-coast of India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for mangrove restoration, and that is why we have published the book in Tamil and Telugu as well. We intend to translate in more Indian languages going forward.”

Click here for press release in Tamil

The books can be downloaded in English, Tamil & Telugu.

For further details, contact

Sangeetha Rajeesh
Director – Communications
3rd Cross Street, Institutional Area, Taramani,
Chennai 600 113, India
Mobile: +91 9841051489
Email: sangeetha@mssrf.res.in
Website: www.mssrf.org