Abstract

Title: Ecological Restoration of Mangrove forest in Godavari district of

Andhra Pradesh, India: Challenges and opportunities towards Eco-

sustainability. Author: Shoeb Ahmed

Introduction

Mangrove ecosystems are regarded as among the five most useful types of ecosystems in the

world and one of the most productive and biodiverse wetlands on earth. Healthy mangrove

forests are key to a healthy marine ecology. Godavari mangroves are 'very important' for coastal

communities livelihood as they give immediate direct economic values. The main causes of

Mangrove deforestation are impromptu and disorganized expansion of shrimp cultivation has

immense affects on the Mangroves of coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and other factors are

forest use mainly for industrial lumber and woodchip operations, herbicide impacts, agriculture,

salt ponds and other coastal developments. The colossal effects of mangrove deforestation and

exploration of its adverse effects has not acknowledged considerable notice from the researcher

community so far.

Methodology

In order to extract the concomitant impacts and suggest an ecological mangrove restoration

based on secondary data, the present study was conducted by applying ‘Systematic Review and

Content Analysis’ as research method.

Conclusion

The study results manifested that the shrimp farming has distorted mangroves in coastal Andhra

Pradesh and has immense impacts on sustainability, environment and ecology and may have

benefitted shrimp farmers and the people who live around them. The extensive mangrove

deforestation has lead to intrusion of salinity of soil, de-stabilization of coastal ecosystems and

degradation of land. Efforts should be made towards continuous monitoring, evaluation, support

to local communities, awareness on conservation and sustainability of mangroves is essential for

future generations.

Keywords: Mangrove, Shrimp Cultivation/Farming, Water Salinity, Ecology, Biodiversity,

Environment, Sustainability, Ecological Restoration.

{Shoeb Ahmed, Center for Economic and Social Studies, Nizamiah Observatory, Begumpet,

Hyderabad. E-mail: shoebilyas@gmail.com Mobile: +917032771303}