Third Dr. Arvind G. Untawale Memorial Lecture MANGROVES IN THE AGE OF CLIMATE CRISIS: Future Ecosystems, Global Saviours, and the Hope of Humanity
By
Sanjay Deshmukh, PhD, DSc (h.c.), LLB, DSc (h.c.), LLM
HAG Sr. Professor (2015-2025)
Former Head, Univ. Dept. of Life Sciences;
Formerly, Vice-Chancellor- UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI;
********** Adjunct Professor
Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT)
A NAAC-accredited (in 2025) A++ Grade (score 3.77)
Deemed to be University, Matunga, Mumbai 400019.
Synopsis
This Memorial Oration, delivered in honor of the visionary Dr. Arvind G. Untawale, offers a compelling vision for the future of mangrove ecosystems in the face of the climate crisis. Divided into two parts, it aims to connect deep ecological wisdom with forward-thinking scientific stewardship.
Part I: Mangroves in the Age of Climate Crisis examines seven aspects- from their role in the Anthropocene to their genetic resilience, microbial diversity, digital mapping tools, and the Goa model as a living laboratory. It ends with frameworks for participatory governance and policy reform aligned with global sustainability goals.
Part II: Mangroves as Saviours of Humanity reimagines mangroves through the lens of health, longevity, and prosperity. It discusses their medicinal value, linkages with human microbiomes, disaster resilience potential, carbon market contributions, bioeconomic futures, educational innovation, and ethical environmentalism inspired by Gandhian values.
Altogether, this oration calls for a planetary pact- preserve, restore, innovate, educate, and unite. Goa is proposed not just as a regional model but as the Geneva of Coastal Ecological Diplomacy. The oration ends with a poetic appeal to rise as ecological stewards, honouring the mangrove as the root of human and planetary survival.
