Coastal mangrove conservation and restoration: Public private partnership

India is one among 12 Mega biodiversity and 25 hotspots of the richest and highly endangered eco regions of the world. Mangrove once covered 200,000 km2 of global coastline, are disappearing rapidly particularly in developing countries, where 90% of the world’s mangroves are located. A multi facets approach by public - private partnership is essential for coastal zone management, biodiversity conservation and   socio-economic upliftment of coastal communities. To achieve this objective, coordination of all sections of society including technology providers, NGO, local educational institutions, citizens & elected representatives is necessarily required. There is need to establish community groups which may promote ecotourism activities like study tours, picnics, coastal walks to bring awareness and participate in conservation   and plantation of mangroves and in turn may start income generating activities. Accordingly, successful participatory mangrove plantation programs were organized around Mumbai coast involving officials from forest department, fisheries & rural development, educational institutions & fisherman community. These activities have definitely resulted in bringing perspective awareness about implications of destruction, conservation and restoration of natural resources and coastal environment. Therefore, fragile coastal ecosystem & other green marine natural habitats including mangroves must be protected, restored and managed in a sustainable way by public-private partnership.