MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes)
Introduction and Background
Blue economy is 6thdimension of India's vision for New India by 2030, and has an indispensable role to play in the promotion of ecological and socio-economic resilience of the country's coastal ecosystems. In other words, persevering and enhancing the sustainability of the coastal habitats like mangroves, seagrasses, coral reefs, salt marshes and mudflats is imperative. To address this, MISHTI: “Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes” was announced in para 85 of the Union Budget FY 2023-24 to promote and conserve mangroves as unique, natural eco-system having very high biological productivity and carbon sequestration potential, besides working as a bio-shield.
Considering the above, the Mission MISHTI ('Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) is taken up by India in response to climate change in terms of green energy transition and green economy. “MISHTI” comes after India joined the ‘Mangrove Alliance for Climate’ launched during the 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Egypt in November 2022 and was launched on 5th June, 2023 on the occasion of World Environment Day. The vision is to enhance resilience of Indian coast and ensure the protection of coastal life, livelihood and infrastructure against the climate change consequences such as sea-level rise through conservation and management of coastal habitats.
Aim and objectives
The aim of the MISTHI is to “Restoration of mangrove forests” by undertaking mangrove reforestation/ afforestation measures along the coast of India by adopting existing best practices in India and globally.
The Programme will cover approximately 540 sq km area across nine (9) coastal States and four (4) Union Territories in five years (2023-2028). It will create around 22.8 million man-days with estimated carbon sink of 4.5 million tons of Carbon. It will also create potential areas for nature tourism and livelihood potential for local communities.
Implementation Process
For implementation of the proposal, funding will be done from State CAMPA, National CAMPA &MGNREGAand also from other sources. This dovetailing of funds will be well formulated at village, panchayat, district and State level.
Activities
The Core activities undertaken by State CAMPA will include Restoration through Gap Plantation; afforestation; and enrichment plantation. The funding for activities other than core activities will be done through National CAMPA, MNREGA and other sources. Any gap in financing through State CAMPA will be considered by National CAMPA.
The support activities, funded by the National CAMPA and other sources will supplement the implementation on the MISHTI Programme and in achieving its mandate and include Livelihood Diversification activities, Awareness and Capacity Building, Research and Development, Publicity, Media and Outreach, Monitoring and Evaluation and Ecotourism with the help of SHGs
