Amaravati : Andhra Pradesh leads the states in India in mangrove restoration as it secured second place in India under MISHTI scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The state's Forest department said on Sunday that Andhra Pradesh continues to strengthen its commitment to coastal ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation through large-scale mangrove development as part of the Great Greenwall of Andhra Pradesh initiative.
Listing the achievements in 2025-26, the department said 2,047.70 hectares of mangrove plantations were developed.
A total of Rs 18.04 crore was invested in coastal ecosystem restoration.
The Department has also adopted the innovative Fish Bone Technique, enabling improved tidal water circulation, higher survival rates of mangroves, and enhanced long-term ecological resilience.
For 2026–27, it has set a target to restore 1,618 hectares of mangrove ecosystems across Andhra Pradesh.
Through science-based restoration, sustainable coastal management, and continuous conservation efforts, Andhra Pradesh is building resilient coastlines, protecting biodiversity, and strengthening the livelihoods of coastal communities, the Forest department said.
Deputy Chief Minister and State Forest Minister, Pawan Kalyan, said that Andhra Pradesh securing second place in India under the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme is a proud milestone in the journey towards ecological restoration and climate resilience.
"I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of Forest Force (PCCF & HoFF), all senior officers, field officers, frontline forest personnel, and every member of the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for their relentless efforts, dedication, and unwavering commitment in achieving this remarkable achievement. The successful restoration of more than 2,047 hectares of mangroves, adoption of innovative conservation practices, and unwavering focus on protecting our coastal ecosystems reflect the Department's vision and hard work," he added.
"Let us continue this collective mission to build a greener, more resilient Andhra Pradesh while safeguarding biodiversity and securing sustainable livelihoods for future generations," Pawan Kalyan said.
Earlier, in his message on the occasion of International Day for the conservation of mangrove ecosystem, the Deputy Chief Minister said that mangroves are the guardians of our coast, the lungs of our shoreline, and one of nature's greatest gifts to humanity.
"Along Andhra Pradesh's 1,053 km coastline, these extraordinary ecosystems serve as our first line of defence, protecting coastal lives and livelihoods from cyclones, storm surges, sea erosion, and the growing impacts of climate change. They nurture rich marine biodiversity, sustain our coastal communities, and capture vast reserves of blue carbon, making them indispensable to a resilient future. Protecting mangroves is not merely about conserving forests; it is about safeguarding lives, strengthening ecological security, securing livelihoods, and preserving the natural wealth that future generations deserve," he added.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that through the Great Green Wall of Andhra Pradesh, the state government's commitment to mangrove conservation is reflected in action.
"Over the past two years, nearly 7,000 acres of mangroves have been restored and developed across the state. Building on this momentum, we have set a target to restore another 4,000 acres during 2026-27, reaffirming our resolve to strengthen Andhra Pradesh's natural shield against climate change and protect our coastal communities. Let us protect the forests that protect us. Every mangrove restored strengthens our coastline. Every mangrove conserved secures lives, livelihoods, and the future," he added.
--IANS
