Context
- Andhra Pradesh government plans to build a “Great Green Wall” along its 1,053 km coastline by 2030.
- Objective: Protect coastal communities, biodiversity, and livelihoods from increasing coastal degradation, climate change, and extreme weather events.
- The initiative aligns with India’s climate resilience and sustainable development goals.
Relevance:
- GS-3 (Environment & Ecology): Coastal resilience, climate adaptation, biodiversity, carbon sequestration.
- GS-2 (Governance & Policy): Sustainable development initiatives, disaster management, local livelihood protection.
Basics
| Term | Explanation |
| Great Green Wall | A linear or contiguous forestation belt acting as an ecological shield against natural hazards. |
| Coastal Degradation | Loss of coastal land, soil erosion, salinization, and habitat destruction due to human activity, sea-level rise, and extreme events. |
| Ecological Shield | A natural barrier (trees, mangroves, vegetation) that reduces wind, wave, and storm surge impacts. |
| Biodiversity | Variety of plant and animal species in coastal ecosystems; crucial for ecosystem services. |
Key Project Details
| Feature | Details / Data |
| Length of coastline covered | 1,053 km |
| Width of green wall | 5 km |
| Target completion | 2030 |
| Population protected | 3 million+ people |
| Key objectives | – Protect livelihoods and property – Promote biodiversity – Enhance climate resilience – Support sustainable development |
| Vegetation type | Likely coastal forests, mangroves, and salt-tolerant species (not specified yet, inferred from coastal protection norms) |
Rationale and Significance
- Climate Resilience: Coastal Andhra Pradesh faces cyclones, storm surges, and sea-level rise. The green wall will act as a buffer reducing disaster impact.
- Livelihood Protection: Fisheries, agriculture, and coastal communities will be shielded from erosion and saline intrusion.
- Biodiversity Conservation: Coastal forests and mangroves provide habitat for birds, fish, and invertebrates, supporting ecosystem services.
- Carbon Sequestration: Trees along the coast will absorb CO₂, contributing to climate mitigation targets.
- Sustainable Development: Integration with local livelihoods, eco-tourism, and ecosystem services supports SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), 15 (Life on Land).
Comparative Context
- Inspired by initiatives like Africa’s Great Green Wall, which combats desertification and land degradation.
- Coastal green walls are a recognized nature-based solution in climate adaptation globally (e.g., Japan, Vietnam, Netherlands).
Implementation Challenges
- Species Selection: Salt-tolerant, cyclone-resistant species needed.
- Maintenance: Survival of saplings under storm, salinity, and human pressure.
- Land Acquisition & Community Participation: Securing 5 km wide continuous stretches along densely populated areas.
- Monitoring & Data Management: Need for satellite and GIS-based monitoring of growth, biodiversity, and coastal erosion.
