Sometimes Nature is the only answer

I often find myself drawn back to the coast, to those hidden stretches of greenery where the land meets the sea. One such place is Pichavaram in Tamil Nadu—a labyrinth of winding waterways and thick, tangled mangroves that feel almost magical. Every time I visit, I’m reminded of how these forests are not just beautiful but vital shields against nature’s fury.

I remember wandering through Pichavaram and being struck by the resilience of the mangroves. Their roots weave an intricate network beneath the water, softening the blow of storm surges and reducing the impact of coastal erosion. It’s humbling to think that during the 2004 tsunami, communities protected by these natural barriers experienced far fewer human casualties. There, nature was doing what no man-made structure could—absorbing and dissipating the energy of the waves.

For the local communities, mangroves are much more than just a physical barrier. They provide a livelihood, serving as nursery grounds for fish and crustaceans that local fishermen depend on. The bounty of the mangroves supports coastal fisheries and, in turn, the entire economy of these regions. In many parts of South India, I’ve met fishermen who tell me that the mangroves are their unsung heroes, ensuring that the sea continues to offer them sustenance even during the harshest of seasons.

Yet, despite their immense value, these natural guardians are under threat. Rapid coastal development, pollution, and unsustainable practices are steadily chipping away at these critical ecosystems. Every time I hear about mangroves being cleared for construction or aquaculture, I feel a pang of loss—not just for the trees, but for the communities that rely on them for protection and livelihood.

It’s clear to me that preserving and restoring mangroves must be a priority. We need stronger conservation laws, and we must involve local communities directly in protecting these ecosystems. When people see firsthand the benefits—like the way a dense strip of mangroves can reduce storm damage—they’re more likely to support sustainable practices.

I’ve used my camera and storytelling to try to share this message, once with my film Let Mangroves Recover, which underscored that sometimes nature offers the best answers. In every frame of those mangrove landscapes, I saw not just trees, but a promise: if we protect these forests, they will continue to protect us.

References / Further Readings

1. NCBI – Mangroves Protected Villages During Indian Super Cyclone 

2. UNEP – The Importance of Mangroves to People: A Call to Action 

3. National Geographic – Mangroves: Natural Coastal Defenders