Salt Marsh Protection
Saltmarsh Ecosystem
Saltmarsh ecosystems are vital coastal habitats located at the interface of land and sea, typically found along intertidal zones and in back-barrier environments. Globally, they are valued for their rich biodiversity and the wide range of ecosystem services they provide, including carbon sequestration, water purification, and shoreline stabilization. These ecosystems play a key role in enhancing human well-being and promoting environmental resilience. Therefore, their conservation and restoration are essential for protecting biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and addressing climate change.
The ECRICC initiative is actively working to restore and protect 500 hectares of saltmarsh ecosystems, in Odisha. IIT Bhubaneswar has been appointed as the Technical Support Agency to lead and facilitate the restoration process. Additionally, a dedicated Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) has been established to guide these efforts, offering expert oversight, monitoring progress, and strengthening local capacity for sustainable, long-term conservation.
Why Saltmarsh Ecosystem is Necessary?
Ecological Importance
- Supports high biodiversity, providing habitat for birds, fish, invertebrates, and other wildlife
Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Acts as efficient carbon sinks by trapping carbon from both internal (autochthonous) and external (allochthonous) sources.
- Helps mitigate climate change impacts through carbon sequestration
Water Quality Regulation
- Absorbs excess nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus) and heavy metals.
- Improves water quality in estuarine and coastal environments, enhancing ecosystem health
Coastal Protection
- Stabilizes shorelines by reducing erosion through dense vegetation and root systems.
- Acts as natural buffers against storm surges, wave action, and sea-level rise
Biodiversity and Fisheries Support
- Serves as nursery grounds for commercially and ecologically important marine species.
- Contributes to the sustainability of coastal and estuarine fisheries.
Cultural and Socio-Economic Value
- Attracts ecotourism activities such as bird watching, nature photography, and recreational fishing.
Integrated Ecosystem Services
- Provides a wide range of co-benefits: carbon storage, flood protection, water filtration, and biodiversity conservation.
- Supports both human well-being and environmental sustainability.
Proposed Conservation Actions on Saltmarsh Ecosystem in Odisha
Key Expected Outcomes
- Restoration of 500 Hectares of Saltmarsh Ecosystems
Revival of degraded coastal habitats, enhancing ecological integrity and ecosystem functioning. - Strengthened Coastal Resilience and Climate Mitigation
Improved natural defenses against erosion, storm surges, and sea-level rise, along with increased carbon sequestration capacity. - Enhanced Biodiversity and Fisheries Productivity
Restoration of critical habitats that support diverse flora and fauna, including nursery grounds for economically important fish species. - Community Engagement and Sustainable Livelihoods
Increased local participation, awareness, and livelihood opportunities through eco-tourism, conservation-linked employment, and capacity-building initiatives.
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