Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) is a dynamic, multidisciplinary and iterative process to promote sustainable management, essential for India's 7,500 km coastline, which sustains diverse ecosystems and livelihoods.

• However, climate change-driven threats—rising sea levels, erosion, and extreme weather—are disrupting this delicate balance, endangering both the environment and coastal communities.

Body

Ecological Implications of Climate Change on Coastal Biodiversity

• Habitat Loss and Degradation
  • Sea-Level Rise (SLR): Since 1900, the global average sea level has risen by approximately 15-20 cm, a rate much faster than historical averages.
    • This threatens ecosystems like the Sundarbans, which could lose the majority of its area, endangering species like the Royal Bengal Tiger.
    • Areas like Satabhaya (Odisha) and Vypin Island (Kerala) are experiencing rapid coastal erosion, leading to habitat loss.
  • Coral Bleaching: Rising sea temperatures have caused mass bleaching events in the Gulf of Mannar, disrupting marine food chains.
• Decline in Marine Species and Disrupted Food Chains
  • Loss of Breeding and Nesting Sites: Rising water levels threaten the nesting grounds of Olive Ridley turtles in Odisha, leading to a decline in their population.
  • Reduced Fish Stocks: Changes in ocean temperature and salinity impact fish breeding and migration patterns, affecting species like Hilsa and golden anchovy.
• Increased Vulnerability to Natural Disasters
  • The destruction of natural barriers like mangroves (which reduce wave energy by 93–98% on mild slopes) increases the impact of cyclones and storm surges, as seen during Cyclone Amphan.

Socio-Economic Implications of Climate Change on Coastal Communities

• Threat to Livelihoods
  • Fisheries: Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector in the country provides livelihood support to a total 28 million fishers.
    • Rising sea levels and declining fish stocks threaten their income and food security.
  • Agriculture: Seawater intrusion causes soil salinization, reducing agricultural productivity in coastal regions like Sundarbans and Gujarat’s Kutch region.
  • Tourism: Popular coastal destinations like Goa and Kerala face increasing coastal erosion, impacting the tourism industry.
• Displacement and Loss of Settlements
  • By 2050, 36 million Indians could lose their homes and livelihoods to flooding caused by rising sea levels
  • 16 villages in Odisha have already gone under seawater, forcing residents to relocate.
• Health and Water Security Concerns
  • Salinity intrusion in freshwater sources increases the risk of waterborne diseases.
    • Warmer temperatures promote vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue in coastal areas.

Role of Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Mitigating Long-Term Impacts on Coastal Ecosystem:

• Sustainable Coastal Development and Regulation
  • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification (1991, amended in 2019) aims to balance development with environmental protection by restricting construction near vulnerable coastal areas.
    • ICZM Plans: Under the World Bank-assisted ICZM Project, states like Odisha, Gujarat, and West Bengal have developed coastal conservation strategies.
• Restoration of Natural Ecosystems
  • Mangrove Afforestation: Planting mangroves acts as a natural buffer against erosion and cyclones.
    • India’s MISHTI scheme aims to expand mangrove cover.
  • Coral Reef Conservation: Projects like the "Coral Restoration Programme" in Gulf of Mannar help rebuild damaged reefs.
• Infrastructure and Disaster Resilience
  • Sea Walls and Embankments: Coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai are investing in storm surge barriers.
  • Early Warning Systems: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) provides real-time alerts for coastal hazards.
• Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods
  • Encouraging salt-resistant crop varieties and floating agriculture (practiced in Sundarbans).
  • Supporting alternative livelihoods like ecotourism and agriculture for fishing communities.

Conclusion

ICZM promotes climate resilience through sustainable policies, ecosystem restoration, and community engagement. Coordinated efforts at all levels are vital for protecting India’s coasts, aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).