Introduction
MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) is a Central Government initiative launched in the Union Budget 2023–24 to promote the restoration and expansion of mangrove forests along India’s coastline and salt pan lands.
The initiative aims to combine ecological conservation with livelihood generation, recognising mangroves as critical ecosystems for climate resilience and coastal protection.
It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in convergence with State Governments and other relevant ministries.
Objectives
- Restore and expand mangrove cover along the coastline.
- Enhance coastal ecosystem resilience against climate change.
- Protect shorelines from cyclones, storm surges and coastal erosion.
- Promote biodiversity conservation.
- Generate sustainable livelihood opportunities for coastal communities.
- Increase India’s carbon sequestration capacity through blue carbon ecosystems.
Key Features
- Mangrove plantation and restoration in suitable coastal areas.
- Scientific identification of degraded and potential mangrove sites.
- Convergence with programmes such as MGNREGA, CAMPA Fund and other coastal development initiatives.
- Community participation in plantation and maintenance.
- Use of remote sensing and GIS for monitoring plantation activities.
- Focus on sustainable livelihood generation for local communities.
Importance of Mangroves
Mangroves are salt-tolerant forests found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions where land meets the sea.
They provide several ecological services:
- Act as a natural barrier against cyclones, storm surges and tsunamis.
- Prevent coastal erosion.
- Serve as breeding and nursery grounds for fish, crabs and shrimp.
- Support rich biodiversity, including migratory birds and endangered species.
- Improve water quality by trapping sediments and pollutants.
- Store large quantities of carbon, helping mitigate climate change.
Benefits of MISHTI
- Strengthens coastal resilience against natural disasters.
- Conserves fragile coastal ecosystems.
- Enhances blue carbon storage.
- Supports fisheries and coastal livelihoods.
- Improves biodiversity conservation.
- Contributes to India’s climate commitments and sustainable development goals.
Challenges
- Coastal urbanisation and infrastructure development.
- Aquaculture and industrial expansion.
- Pollution and plastic waste.
- Sea-level rise and climate change.
- Ensuring long-term survival of plantations.
- Balancing conservation with the livelihood needs of coastal communities.
Significance
MISHTI represents India’s shift from traditional afforestation to ecosystem-based coastal restoration.
By integrating mangrove conservation with climate adaptation, biodiversity protection and livelihood generation, the initiative strengthens India’s efforts towards sustainable coastal development and enhances resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.
