Kandal: the coastal forest Kerala counts as its own sea defence

Background

Mangroves are unique ecosystems found along coastlines around the world, and Kerala is home to a diverse array of them.
The Kerala Forest Department describes mangroves as the State's natural defence system, whose dense roots stabilise the coastline and act as barriers against cyclones and tsunamis.
Mangroves are called Kandal locally, and they grow in the upper reaches of estuaries, lagoons, backwaters and creeks.
Every district except Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Palakkad and Wayanad has some mangrove cover, and Kannur has the largest extent at over 7.55 square kilometers.
The total mangrove area of Kerala is estimated to be less than 50 square kilometers, though Kerala holds the distinction of having the most diverse mangrove growth in India.
Azima tetracantha and Ceriops tagal have vanished from the Kerala coast, while Calamus rotang and Syzygium travancoricum face the threat of extinction.