Microclimate Regulation as an Ecosystem Service by Mangroves: Sarovaram Biopark, Kozhikode
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64252/nyy0x460Keywords:
Mangrove, forest, environment, climate change, humidity, Temperature-humidity Index, thermal comfort, cooling effect.Abstract
Background: The role of mangroves in regulating the microclimate at Sarovaram Biopark in Kozhikode, Kerala, is discussed in this study. The aim of the research is to test the hypothesis that mangrove habitats significantly contribute to local climate regulation or rather microclimate regulation. Field data of temperature and humidity were collected from the core mangrove area, 50 m from the core area, and from the surrounding urban areas in Kozhikode town.
Result: The results indicate that, compared with the surrounding urban agglomeration, the central zone of the mangrove forest consistently maintains lower ambient temperatures. One hundred random tourists were interviewed to assess the level of comfort within the biopark. 32% of the interviewed tourists mentioned that they had a very high comfort (91–100%), and 76% rated their entire experience as above 75%.
Conclusion: The notion that mangroves have a cooling effect and may influence microclimatic regimes is verified by this temperature difference. The findings show the value of urban mangrove patches as a source of climate resilience and sustainable urban planning, and their ecological value in mitigating the urban heat island effect.
