Mangroves are an essential element of healthy coastal environment. They provide excellent habitat for migratory birds, serve as breeding ground for many species of fishes, control pollution through natural filtration and protect the shoreline from heavy waves. The important Mangroves plants are Acanthus cillicifolious, Acrostichum aurem and Avicennia officinalis, several of which are found in Kerala. Mangroves are salt-tolerant plants found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

The coastal mangroves ecosystems collect sediments and slow the water’s flow, protecting lives and land during natural hazards like storm surges, cyclones and even Tsunami. Mangrove habitats are at risk globally due to urbanization and aquaculture, requiring worldwide efforts to protect these important ecosystems.