Economic significance and importance of mongoose
Answers
Reclamation/restoration of degraded mangroves by participatory afforestation will give life to an unique environment and form a part of national wealth. Afforestation with a single species of plant suitable for the location is the beginning. Later, mangrove associates and other bio-invasive plants will proliferate and ultimately culminate with the existence of a true mangrove eco-system provided human interventions are restricted. A positive aspect in the cost-benefit analysis of mangrove afforestation programmes is that it does not require any additional cost once the seedlings are properly planted as nature will take care of its further growth. Systematic plantation of mangroves in an area of one hectare costs about Rs.1.08 lakh with the break even cost of Rs.28.85 per tree (Table 1) generating multiple direct and indirect benefits.