intensive mangrove plantation and raising awareness of the
importance of mangroves in the local governments and
communities.
Approximately 90% of the mangroves in Goa are found in
Mandovi-Zuari Estuarine Complex which is considered one of the
best mangrove forests on the west coast of India. Our time series
analysis revealed that the mangroves in Goa particularly along
Mandovi and Zuari (Including Cumbarjua Canal) increased gradually
from 1973 to 2011; the largest gain occurred during the period
from 2006 to 2011. The increase was observed along the rivers with
small stands distributed sporadically. Conservation efforts such as
declaration of mangrove sanctuary and plantation initiatives
contributed to the increase of mangrove forest cover. Although an
overall mangrove area has been increasing, the forest is under
threat from increasing urbanization.
From the 1970se2000s, mangrove forest in the Sundarbans
decreased by 1.2%. As expected, the rate of change was variable
during the period from the 1970se1990s and from 1990s to 2000s.
During 1970se1990s, mangrove forest area increased by 1.4%, and
from 1990s to 2000s, the area decreased by 2.5%. These changes are
non-significant and are within the margin of error. Even though the
net change was not that high, turnover was much greater than the
net change. This is primarily because of encroachment, erosion,
aggradation, and mangrove rehabilitation programs. Land continues
to be made afresh in the Sundarbans because of aggradation,
offsetting a large part of the loss to erosion. Erosion was concentrated
along the banks of major river channels and at the lande