Mangrove Social-Ecological dynamics analysis through the Adaptive Cycle and the Environmental Justice frameworks

Mangroves are primarily governed based on ecosystem services valued by international organizations, often overlooking the needs of marginalized communities living nearby. Yet local socio-ecological dynamics play a crucial role in defining human-mangrove relationships. The Pichavaram mangrove reserve forest in Tamil Nadu, India, serves as a key case study to examine the interaction between governance, conservation, and community well-being. This study reassesses the governance of Pichavaram mangroves through two key questions: Does the change in mangrove extent align with previous analyses of change drivers, and what does this reveal about governance impacts? Are the socio-economic trajectories of the Irula community consistent with prior analyses, and what does this indicate about governance effects on well-being and environmental justice? Combining satellite data with semi-structured interviews, this research applies an interdisciplinary approach integrating political ecology and spatial analysis. Findings indicate an adaptive cycle marked by phases of degradation, overexploitation, and restoration. While governance is widely regarded as a success due to increased mangrove cover and improved community well-being, a closer examination through environmental justice lenses (procedural, recognitional, and distributive) presents a more nuanced reality. The study challenges the official narrative of participatory governance, revealing a top-down decision-making structure that limits community involvement. Furthermore, although policy narratives acknowledge the Irulas’ conservation role, this recognition appears instrumental rather than genuinely inclusive. Distributive justice remains uneven, as tourism and forest resource benefits are monopolized by state agencies, leaving local communities economically marginalized.