Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/46410
Title: Mangrove governance, its challenges, and responses to the 2004 earthquake and tsunami in the Andaman islands, India: A stakeholder perspective
Authors: Poti, Meenakshi
Singh, Anoop Raj
Shanker, Kartik
KOEDAM, Nico 
Prabakaran, Nehru
Dahdouh-Guebas, Farid
HUGE, Jean 
Issue Date: 2025
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD
Source: Ocean & coastal management, 269 (Art N° 107786)
Abstract: The Andaman Islands in India offer a unique case for studying mangrove social-ecological system (SES) governance due to their expansive mangrove cover of 600 km(2) (similar to 12 % of India's mangrove area), multicultural population, centralised governance from mainland India, and the 2004 earthquake and tsunami's transformative impacts on the islands. This study examines multiple stakeholder perceptions of mangrove SES governance, its challenges, and changes caused by the 2004 seismic event's subsidence and uplift. Further, we discuss strategies for addressing the governance challenges. We conducted and analysed 62 in-depth semi-structured interviews with diverse stakeholders in areas affected by subsidence and uplift, supplemented by a document analysis of scientific literature, regulations and policies. Findings show that while mangrove tree harvesting is prohibited, the mangrove fisheries sector remains under-regulated and poorly monitored. Mangrove planting by the Forest Department increased post-tsunami, driven by the recognition of coastal protection services, but often failed due to non-adaptation to elevation changes. Key governance challenges include top-down exclusionary management by the Forest Department, regulatory ambiguities over mangrove resources, lack of cross-sectoral collaboration, limited community participation due to complex settler histories, and stakeholder conflicts over resource use and ownership. These challenges are exacerbated by the 2004 seismic event. To overcome these barriers, clear resource management guidelines, scientific assessments and input, regular monitoring and improved stakeholder communication and participation are essential for fair decision-making and consistent implementation.
Notes: Poti, M (corresponding author), Univ Libre Bruxelles ULB, Ave FD Roosevelt 50,CPi 264-1, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium.
meenakshipoti@gmail.com; anooprajsingh23@gmail.com; kshanker@gmail.com;
koedamnico@gmail.com; nehrumcc@gmail.com; farid.dahdouh-guebas@ulb.be;
jean.huge@ou.nl
Keywords: Environmental governance;Land subsidence;Land uplift;Mangrove restoration;Sea level change;Social-ecological systems
Document URI: http://hdl.handle.net/1942/46410
ISSN: 0964-5691
e-ISSN: 1873-524X
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2025.107786
ISI #: 001512967200001
Rights: 2025 Elsevier Ltd. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies
Category: A1
Type: Journal Contribution
Appears in Collections:Research publications

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