Model Answer

Introduction

Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) refers to the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services to help communities adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change. In a country with an 11,000-km coastline and nearly 250 million coastal inhabitants, EbA has emerged as a crucial strategy for building climate resilience.

Mangroves as Natural Climate Shields

Mangroves provide multiple ecosystem services that enhance coastal resilience:

Wave attenuation: Dense aerial root systems absorb and dissipate wave energy, reducing the impact of storm surges and cyclones. Protection against sea-level rise: Mangroves trap sediments and promote land accretion, helping coastlines adapt naturally to rising seas. Blue carbon sinks: They sequester carbon at rates significantly higher than terrestrial forests, contributing to climate mitigation. Biodiversity and livelihood support: Mangrove ecosystems sustain fisheries, protect biodiversity, and support local livelihoods. Cost-effective protection: Unlike seawalls, mangroves are self-repairing, long-lasting, and require relatively lower maintenance.

The successful restoration of 4,600 hectares of mangroves in the Sundarbans helped reduce the impact of cyclones Amphan and Yaas, demonstrating their effectiveness.

Challenges in Mainstreaming EbA Preference for visible grey infrastructure such as seawalls and groynes. Policy ambiguity due to overlapping concepts like NbS, Eco-DRR, and EbA. Declining budgetary allocations for ecosystem restoration. Fragmented institutional responsibilities and weak monitoring mechanisms. Climate adaptation benefits often remain hidden within broader conservation schemes such as MISHTI. Measures to Strengthen EbA Develop a clear national framework and taxonomy for coastal EbA. Integrate mangrove restoration into disaster management and coastal zone plans. Reorient public spending towards nature-based solutions. Promote community-led restoration through SHGs and local cooperatives. Establish robust monitoring systems linked with international climate finance mechanisms. Conclusion

The experience of recent cyclones highlights that healthy mangrove ecosystems can often provide more sustainable and equitable protection than costly engineered structures. Mainstreaming Ecosystem-based Adaptation can enable India to simultaneously achieve climate resilience, ecological conservation, and livelihood security along its vulnerable coastlines. Investing in natural infrastructure is not merely an environmental choice but a strategic adaptation imperative for coastal India.