Preserving mangrove forests, like the Sundarbans, is tough because of their thick vegetation and the presence of wild animals. Vishal Jaiswal, a drone pilot, used drones to map part of the Sundarbans to help with conservation. Mangroves around the world are in danger due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change, with more than half of them at risk of disappearing by 2050.

Even though some Indian mangroves, such as the Sundarbans, are not considered endangered, there are signs of stress from human actions and natural events. Dr. Sahadev Sharma points out problems like deforestation and erosion in the Sundarbans, made worse by activities like shrimp farming and development. The rough terrain and the presence of saltwater crocodiles and Bengal tigers make it hard for scientists to do field research.

To keep an eye on the health of mangrove forests, scientists are using technology like drones and rSETs (rod surface elevation tables). These tools help measure things like mangrove height compared to sea level, which is crucial for understanding how rising sea levels affect the ecosystem. Even though these methods cost more, they are more accurate and efficient than traditional ways.

People living in coastal areas who depend on mangroves are realizing how important it is to protect these ecosystems. Fishermen like Laxman Anna in Andhra Pradesh have noticed better catches after working to restore mangroves. By planting young trees and teaming up with NGOs and forest departments, communities are seeing positive changes in their fishing jobs. Preserving mangrove forests is crucial for biodiversity and the lives of coastal communities. By using technology and working together, we can hope to protect these important ecosystems for the future.

Original news source: Tigers and crocs make mangrove preservation tough work (BBC)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the students into small groups and ask them to summarize the key points of the article about preserving mangrove forests. Each group will have to present a short news summary to the class, focusing on the main ideas and important details.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Have the students walk around the classroom and ask their classmates about their opinions on the importance of preserving mangrove forests. Encourage them to ask open-ended questions and engage in discussions to gather different viewpoints. Afterward, they can share some of the opinions they collected with the class.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article about mangrove forests on separate pieces of paper. Divide the class into two teams and have a student from each team come to the board. Show them a vocabulary word, and they have to draw it while their team tries to guess the word. This activity helps reinforce the meaning of the words in a fun way.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask the students to work in pairs and discuss what they think the future holds for mangrove forests based on the information provided in the article. They should make predictions about the challenges these ecosystems might face and possible solutions to protect them. Afterward, some pairs can share their predictions with the class.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and ask each group to come up with a catchy headline related to the article about preserving mangrove forests. Encourage them to be creative and use the main ideas from the text. Afterward, each group can share their headline with the class and explain why they chose it.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. Why is it challenging to preserve mangrove forests like the Sundarbans?
2. How did Vishal Jaiswal contribute to conservation efforts in the Sundarbans?
3. What are some of the threats to mangrove forests around the world mentioned in the article?
4. Why are activities like shrimp farming and development harmful to the Sundarbans?
5. How do drones and rSETs help scientists monitor the health of mangrove forests?
6. What positive changes have fishermen like Laxman Anna noticed after restoring mangroves in Andhra Pradesh?
7. Why is it important to protect mangrove forests for the biodiversity and lives of coastal communities?
8. How can technology and collaboration help in the preservation of mangrove ecosystems?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Preserving mangrove (1)______, like the (2)______, is tough because of their thick (3)______ and the presence of wild animals. Vishal Jaiswal, a drone pilot, used drones to map part of the Sundarbans to help with conservation. Mangroves around the world are in danger due to deforestation, pollution, and (4)______ change, with more than half of them at risk of disappearing by 2050.

Even though some Indian mangroves, such as the Sundarbans, are not considered endangered, there are signs of stress from human actions and (5)______ events. Dr. Sahadev Sharma points out problems like deforestation and (6)______ in the Sundarbans, made worse by activities like shrimp farming and development. The (7)______ terrain and the (8)______ of saltwater crocodiles and Bengal tigers make it hard for scientists to do field research.

To keep an eye on the health of mangrove forests, scientists are using technology like drones and rSETs (rod (9)______ elevation tables). These tools help measure things like mangrove (10)______ compared to sea level, which is crucial for (11)______ how rising sea levels affect the ecosystem. Even though these methods cost more, they are more accurate and efficient than traditional ways.

People (12)______ in coastal areas who depend on mangroves are realizing how important it is to protect these ecosystems. Fishermen like (13)______ Anna in Andhra Pradesh have noticed better (14)______ after (15)______ to restore mangroves. By planting young trees and teaming up with NGOs and forest departments, communities are seeing positive changes in their fishing jobs. Preserving mangrove forests is (16)______ for biodiversity and the lives of coastal communities. By using technology and working together, we can hope to protect these important ecosystems for the future.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What are mangrove forests and why are they important?
2. How would you feel if you lived near a mangrove forest and saw it being destroyed?
3. Do you think using drones to map mangrove forests is a good idea? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think mangroves are at risk of disappearing by 2050?
5. What is deforestation and how does it affect mangrove forests?
6. Do you like the idea of using technology like drones to protect the environment? Why or why not?
7. How do you think rising sea levels affect mangrove ecosystems?
8. Why do you think it’s important for coastal communities to protect mangrove forests?
9. What do you think fishermen can do to help restore mangrove forests?
10. How important do you think biodiversity is for the environment?
11. Do you think it’s worth the extra cost to use technology to protect mangroves? Why or why not?
12. Why do you think some people prioritize activities like shrimp farming over preserving mangrove forests?
13. How do you think planting young trees can help restore mangrove forests?
14. What can individuals do to help protect mangrove ecosystems in their own communities?
15. Why do you think it’s important for different groups, like NGOs and forest departments, to work together to preserve mangrove forests?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. vegetation
2. conservation
3. deforestation
4. erosion
5. terrain
6. ecosystem
7. biodiversity
8. coastal
9. restoration
10. efficient
11. crucial
12. biodiversity
13. elevation
14. accurate
15. traditional

Meanings:
(A) The process of soil or rock being worn away
(B) Doing something in a way that saves time and energy
(C) Protecting and preserving natural resources
(D) Plants and trees in a particular area
(E) Bringing something back to its original condition
(F) Something that has been done in the same way for a long time
(G) A community of living things and their environment
(H) The variety of different types of life in a place
(I) Extremely important or necessary
(J) Cutting down trees in a large area
(K) The variety of different types of life in a place
(L) Correct and without any mistakes
(M) The physical features of a piece of land
(N) The height of something above a certain level
(O) Related to the area where land meets the sea
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What did Vishal Jaiswal use drones for in the Sundarbans?
(a) To scare away wild animals
(b) To map part of the area for conservation
(c) To cut down trees
(d) To build houses

2. Why are mangrove forests like the Sundarbans in danger?
(a) Because of too much rain
(b) Because of too much sunlight
(c) Due to lack of water
(d) Due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change

3. What is one of the problems faced by scientists doing field research in the Sundarbans?
(a) Lack of trees
(b) Presence of saltwater crocodiles and Bengal tigers
(c) Easy access to the area
(d) Mild weather conditions

4. What technology are scientists using to monitor the health of mangrove forests?
(a) Drones and rSETs
(b) Fishing nets
(c) Binoculars
(d) Compasses

5. What do drones and rSETs help measure in mangrove forests?
(a) Mangrove height compared to sea level
(b) Number of birds in the area
(c) Amount of rainfall
(d) Types of fish in the water

6. How are coastal communities benefiting from restoring mangroves?
(a) Seeing more wild animals
(b) Experiencing more pollution
(c) Experiencing less rain
(d) Seeing better catches for fishermen

7. Why is preserving mangrove forests crucial?
(a) To build more houses
(b) To make more money
(c) For biodiversity and the lives of coastal communities
(d) To attract tourists

8. What is one way communities are working to protect mangrove ecosystems?
(a) By cutting down trees
(b) By building factories
(c) By planting young trees and teaming up with NGOs and forest departments
(d) By polluting the water

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Dr. Sahadev Sharma highlighted issues like deforestation and erosion in the Sundarbans, worsened by activities such as shrimp farming.
2. Mangrove forests worldwide are at risk of disappearing by 2050 due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
3. The Sundarbans in India, despite not being classified as endangered, exhibit signs of strain from human activities and natural events.
4. Coastal communities are recognizing the importance of protecting mangrove ecosystems for their livelihoods, as seen in the case of fisherman Laxman Anna in Andhra Pradesh.
5. Drones were utilized by a pilot named Vishal Jaiswal to chart part of the Sundarbans to assist in conservation efforts.
6. The existence of saltwater crocodiles and Bengal tigers in the Sundarbans creates obstacles for scientists to carry out field research.
7. Scientists are using drones and rSETs to monitor the health of mangrove forests, measuring things like mangrove height compared to sea level.
8. By employing technology and partnering with NGOs and forest departments, attempts are not being made to conserve mangrove forests for the future.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How did Vishal Jaiswal use drones to help with the conservation of mangrove forests?
2. Why are mangroves around the world in danger according to the article?
3. What are some of the problems faced by mangrove forests in the Sundarbans, as mentioned by Dr. Sahadev Sharma?
4. How are scientists using technology like drones and rSETs to monitor the health of mangrove forests?
5. How have communities living in coastal areas benefited from efforts to restore mangrove forests, as mentioned in the article?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Why is it challenging to preserve mangrove forests like the Sundarbans?
Preserving mangrove forests like the Sundarbans is tough because of their thick vegetation, wild animals like saltwater crocodiles and Bengal tigers, and human activities like deforestation and erosion.

2. How did Vishal Jaiswal contribute to conservation efforts in the Sundarbans?
Vishal Jaiswal, a drone pilot, used drones to map part of the Sundarbans, helping with conservation efforts by providing valuable data for scientists.

3. What are some of the threats to mangrove forests around the world mentioned in the article?
Some threats to mangrove forests around the world include deforestation, pollution, and climate change, with more than half of them at risk of disappearing by 2050.

4. Why are activities like shrimp farming and development harmful to the Sundarbans?
Activities like shrimp farming and development are harmful to the Sundarbans because they contribute to deforestation, erosion, and stress on the ecosystem, impacting the health of the mangrove forests.

5. How do drones and rSETs help scientists monitor the health of mangrove forests?
Drones and rSETs help scientists monitor the health of mangrove forests by measuring things like mangrove height compared to sea level, providing crucial data on how rising sea levels affect the ecosystem.

6. What positive changes have fishermen like Laxman Anna noticed after restoring mangroves in Andhra Pradesh?
Fishermen like Laxman Anna in Andhra Pradesh have noticed better catches after working to restore mangroves, showing the positive impact of mangrove conservation on their fishing jobs.

7. Why is it important to protect mangrove forests for the biodiversity and lives of coastal communities?
Protecting mangrove forests is important for biodiversity and the lives of coastal communities because these ecosystems support a wide variety of plant and animal species, and provide resources and protection for people living in coastal areas.

8. How can technology and collaboration help in the preservation of mangrove ecosystems?
Technology like drones and collaboration between communities, NGOs, and forest departments can help in the preservation of mangrove ecosystems by providing accurate data, raising awareness, and working together towards conservation goals.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) forests
(2) Sundarbans
(3) vegetation
(4) climate
(5) natural
(6) erosion
(7) rough
(8) presence
(9) surface
(10) height
(11) understanding
(12) living
(13) Laxman
(14) catches
(15) working
(16) crucial
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. vegetation
Answer: (D) Plants and trees in a particular area

2. conservation
Answer: (C) Protecting and preserving natural resources

3. deforestation
Answer: (J) Cutting down trees in a large area

4. erosion
Answer: (A) The process of soil or rock being worn away

5. terrain
Answer: (M) The physical features of a piece of land

6. ecosystem
Answer: (G) A community of living things and their environment

7. biodiversity
Answer: (H) The variety of different types of life in a place

8. coastal
Answer: (O) Related to the area where land meets the sea

9. restoration
Answer: (E) Bringing something back to its original condition

10. efficient
Answer: (B) Doing something in a way that saves time and energy

11. crucial
Answer: (I) Extremely important or necessary

12. biodiversity
Answer: (H) The variety of different types of life in a place

13. elevation
Answer: (N) The height of something above a certain level

14. accurate
Answer: (L) Correct and without any mistakes

15. traditional
Answer: (F) Something that has been done in the same way for a long time
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What did Vishal Jaiswal use drones for in the Sundarbans?
Answer: (b) To map part of the area for conservation

2. Why are mangrove forests like the Sundarbans in danger?
Answer: (d) Due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change

3. What is one of the problems faced by scientists doing field research in the Sundarbans?
Answer: (b) Presence of saltwater crocodiles and Bengal tigers

4. What technology are scientists using to monitor the health of mangrove forests?
Answer: (a) Drones and rSETs

5. What do drones and rSETs help measure in mangrove forests?
Answer: (a) Mangrove height compared to sea level

6. How are coastal communities benefiting from restoring mangroves?
Answer: (d) Seeing better catches for fishermen

7. Why is preserving mangrove forests crucial?
Answer: (c) For biodiversity and the lives of coastal communities

8. What is one way communities are working to protect mangrove ecosystems?
Answer: (c) By planting young trees and teaming up with NGOs and forest departments
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Dr. Sahadev Sharma highlighted issues like deforestation and erosion in the Sundarbans, worsened by activities such as shrimp farming. (Answer: True)
2. Mangrove forests worldwide are at risk of disappearing by 2050 due to deforestation, pollution, and climate change. (Answer: True)
3. The Sundarbans in India, despite not being classified as endangered, exhibit signs of strain from human activities and natural events. (Answer: False)
4. Coastal communities are recognizing the importance of protecting mangrove ecosystems for their livelihoods, as seen in the case of fisherman Laxman Anna in Andhra Pradesh. (Answer: True)
5. Drones were utilized by a pilot named Vishal Jaiswal to chart part of the Sundarbans to assist in conservation efforts. (Answer: False)
6. The existence of saltwater crocodiles and Bengal tigers in the Sundarbans creates obstacles for scientists to carry out field research. (Answer: False)
7. Scientists are using drones and rSETs to monitor the health of mangrove forests, measuring things like mangrove height compared to sea level. (Answer: True)
8. By employing technology and partnering with NGOs and forest departments, attempts are not being made to conserve mangrove forests for the future. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧