Dr. Poti’s research highlights the impact of the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and tsunami on mangrove ecosystems in these islands. The tsunami led to significant land subsidence (up to 3 m) and uplift (up to 1.4 m), dramatically altering the tidal patterns crucial for mangrove survival. As a result, 97% of mangroves in the Nicobar Islands were lost. However, these changes also opened up new intertidal zones, allowing for mangrove colonization in previously non-mangrove terrestrial areas.
“A key finding of my research is the inadequate policy response to these ecological changes.” Dr. Poti says. “Despite the crucial role mangroves play in coastal protection and fisheries, the governance framework remains fragmented, with limited coordination between the Fisheries and Forest Departments. Additionally, top-down governance often overlooks local ecological conditions, leading to failed mangrove restoration efforts.”
Encouragingly, Dr. Poti notes an emerging trend of informal collaboration between government officers and researchers, which has the potential to improve conservation efforts. While challenges remain, this shift indicates a growing recognition of the importance of scientific input in environmental policy.
References :
Poti, M., Hugé, J., Shanker, K., Koedam, N., & Dahdouh-Guebas, F. (2022). Learning from small islands in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO): A systematic review of responses to environmental change. Ocean & Coastal Management , 227 , 106268.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2022.106268
Prabakaran, N., Poti, M., Hugé, J. et al. Shifted baselines: Using the adaptive cycle to assess the post-tsunami mangrove social-ecological system recovery in the Nicobar Islands. Ambio 54 , 536–551 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-024-02088-3
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