(Understanding) Mangrove Carbon
Mangrove forests are among the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. Globally, we have already lost 30-50% of all mangrove forests (WWF Intl 2018) in the last 50 years. Mangroves are biodiversity hotspots, nurseries for fish stocks, and provide flood protection and water filtration services. Furthermore, mangroves have the highest rates of carbon sequestration (Alongi 2012) among any ecosystem, terrestrial or marine. Despite this, mangroves continue to be cut at rates 3-5 times higher than terrestrial forests every year.
In December 2021, TfW applied to an open call by Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) to be part of their exhibition on carbon in the Anthropocene. This exhibition is a collaboration between spatial analysts, conservationists, and visual artists. We each try to understand the character of mangroves in the ways we know best and integrate our forms to communicate their value as ecosystems and carbon sinks.
In January 2023, the exhibit opened to the public for free in Bengaluru. TfW is thrilled to present our collaborative exhibit as part of SGB’s CARBON exhibition season. The exhibition comprises four distinct parts that build on one another.
Mapping Mangrove Carbon
Mangroves are are very significant carbon sinks, of global importance. However, ground verification of their carbon stock and extent is tedious, and sometimes dangerous due to the nature of the ecosystem. This process began with an attempt to try and use remote sensing to map mangroves in Goa, because if we don’t know what we have, how can we protect it?
This exhibit explored different methods of using Geographical Information Systems with data from drones and satellites to map mangroves and estimate their carbon stock. Although the processes are technical, there is a fair amount of variation and subjectivity in methods.
TfW team members involved in the project: Aditi Ramchiary, Nandini Mehrotra, Nancy Alice, Shashank Srinivasan, and Sravanthi Mopati.
Creatures of Carbon
The fascinating world of mangroves transforms through the course of the day. This exhibit celebrates the various elements within this complex and magical mangrove ecosystem- from carbon absorption to nutrient cycles, crabs and otters to migratory birds all responding to the tidal transitions that define this space.
Svabhu Kohli's practice intertwines magical realism, conservation, and art, offering experiential narratives that delve into our connection with intricate life forms, influenced by indigenous, political, and scientific narratives.
You see- I see- we all see an Estuary
This exhibit presents carbon sequestered by mangroves (also called Blue Carbon) in the Mandovi-Zuari Estuaries. The first representation is through a map made by Technology for Wildlife Foundation. The subsequent pieces are Himanshi’s renditions of the same concept- blue carbon and the role of mangroves as carbon sinks made using elements of the map.
This was paired along with take-along-postcards with an artist's rendition of blue carbon along with information on the role of Mangroves as carbon stocks.
Himanshi Parmar is a versatile creative specialising in brand design and strategy for social impact organisations, embraces an interdisciplinary approach to foster a sense of childlike wonder through her work.
Between Sweet Water And Salt Air
Acknowledging the inherent challenges in accessing mangroves, this immersive exhibit endeavours to forge a transformative connection with the audience. This immersive encounter serves as a gateway to a deeper understanding and appreciation of mangroves, offering a reflective space to absorb the conveyed information and develop a heightened connection with these invaluable ecosystems. Finally, ‘Between Sweet Water and Salt Air’ by artist Gayatri Kodikal offers an immersive encounter with mangroves using footage collected through handheld cameras as well as drones. This experiential piece allows the audience a window into an otherwise- difficult to access ecosystem.
Gayatri Kodikal explores the intersections of game design, performance, psycho-geography, cinema, and oral storytelling, infusing her work with specific historical contexts, animism, and spatial memories.