Importance of Seagrass Management for Effective Mitigation of Climate Change

Abstract Seagrass meadows are recognized as one of the most productive ecosystems in the coastal zone. Among the many ecosystem services they provide, carbon sequestration and storage assume high importance in connection with climate change. This chapter examines the distribution and status of the seagrass ecosystems in India, highlights the blue carbon potential of seagrasses, and reflects on the conservation and restoration practices to recommend priorities in the management of seagrass ecosystems. The role of seagrass in carbon sequestration and its potential for supporting the targets of India's Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) are discussed. Location-specific major threats to seagrass ecosystems and their impacts have been examined. Available legislation and its potential role in seagrass protection and techniques for seagrass restoration are discussed. Recommendations have been made for sustainable management practices, including traditional ecological knowledge.