Mangroves: Nature’s Coastal Warriors Against Climate Disasters

Mangroves: Nature’s Coastal Warriors Against Climate Disasters

Mangrove forests are among the most critical and yet most endangered ecosystems on Earth. Damooga Foundation’s Mangrove Plantation efforts focus on reviving and expanding coastal green belts in regions like Pulicat, Kalpakkam, and Cuddalore — areas frequently battered by cyclones, saline intrusion, and coastal erosion.

Mangroves act as natural barriers — absorbing the impact of waves, reducing coastal erosion, and shielding inland areas from storm surges. They are also incredibly efficient carbon sinks, storing up to 10 times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests. Despite this, mangroves have been destroyed at alarming rates for aquaculture and construction.

Through this initiative, the Foundation engages local fishing communities, schools, and government bodies to restore mangrove patches using native species like Avicennia and Rhizophora. The program includes nursery development, transplantation, and long-term monitoring.

Beyond environmental protection, these plantations provide habitats for fish, crustaceans, and migratory birds — reviving coastal biodiversity and livelihoods. In an age where the sea threatens to reclaim the land, mangrove walls are nature’s first line of defense.