THE NEED
Dumping and accumulation of waste is one of the key threats to the mangrove ecosystem in Mumbai. With every high tide, a new lot of waste enters the wetland. Almost 90% of this waste is non-degradable and comprises plastic, thermocol, etc. This waste gets trapped in the root network of the mangroves. Since the wetlands are currently not serviced by the municipality for waste collection, this waste keeps accumulating. The accumulated waste further creates deterrents for the flow of fresh tidal water in the wetlands. This chokes the aerial roots of the mangroves and threatens their survival and growth since the mangroves are dependent on flow of fresh tidal water
SOLUTION
Since 2015, through our campaign Mission Mangroves, United Way Mumbai has been actively working with the Mangrove Cell, Forest Department- Govt. of Maharashtra for the plantation and maintenance of mangroves. Till date, we have planted 1,49,845 mangroves, thereby greening 33 Ha. of degraded wetlands in and around Mumbai. Additionally, the project has also sensitised over 8000 persons (including school and college students, corporate employees, government employees and citizen groups) on the importance of the mangrove ecosystem. The Forest Dept in Maharashtra has now exhausted all available land for allocation for new plantations. The need now is to conserve the existing plantations and wetlands.
