Mangroves, as Shore Engineers, Are Nature-Based Solutions for Ensuring Coastal Protection

From the advent of civilization, humans have tried to interpret nature and build systems of studies, branches of science, and arts to best adapt to the way the planet functions. The coast, which is the transition from the sea to landmasses, has been engineered by nature to support terrestrial habitats and life; mangroves act as sentinels to protect and safeguard them. The unique adaptive features of these mangrove species, which exist as forest communities – Mangals – are natural systems of engineering that stabilize the shore and help the delta mature. Mangroves have unique root systems, known as stilt roots, and lateral branching roots that help anchor and accrete silt, thereby determining the formation of the landmass in typical geo‐morpho‐hydrological systems where riverine freshwater readily mixes with saline ocean waters. The use of mangroves for such natural shoreline engineering and protection is shown as a case study in the Sundarban.