India: Conserving the Gulf of Mannar’s biodiversity

The Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, off the south eastern coast of India, is home to one of the world’s largest concentrations of marine species. Much of the Reserve’s biodiversity depends on the coral reef, which houses numerous species of fish and supports the livelihoods of close to 150,000 fisher folk.

Yet, the reef’s biodiversity is increasingly under threat from commercial exploitation, over fishing, illegal mining of reef, changes in the environment and a growing population that depends on the coast for its livelihood. Between 1988 and1998, nearly 25 square kilometers of coral reef has been lost.

To encourage sustainable development in the region, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Tamil Nadu established the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust. Support for the trust was provided by the Global Environment Facility.

The trust has helped provide local communities with opportunities to diversify their livelihoods, and thereby prevent the over-exploitation of coastal resources. It has also showed them how to manage resources, both more effectively and in partnership with government and other stakeholders. This has strengthened communities’ capacities to participate in the processes of developing and implementing conservation strategies.

“Many of the rare marine species here are being wiped out. If we catch these depleted species, we throw them back, and advise our fellow fishermen to do the same,” says a local fisherman, who goes on to demonstrate how the new, wider mesh of his net spares small fingerling fish and other unwanted catch.

The results are visible. Coral reef cover increased from 37 percent to 43 percent between 2005 and 2009. In addition, coral mining has stopped, seaweed collection out of the Gulf of Mannar National Park has been regularized, and a coastal ban imposed during breeding months helps ensure that the crucial regeneration of species is not disturbed.

Local communities have been involved throughout the conservation process. Village Marine Conservation and Eco Development Committees, as well as 250 other grassroots organizations, employ local youth to serve as anti-poaching watchers. Additionally, awareness-building campaigns help involve local fishermen in the efforts by ensuring they are well versed in sustainable fishing techniques.

“Biodiversity conservation cannot be effective without the active engagement of local communities who depend on natural resources in their daily lives,” says Caitlin Wiesen, Country Director for UNDP India.

Women in particular have seen their livelihoods improve. Over 2,000 self-help groups have developed alternative enterprises, such as weaving, jaggery (unrefined sugar) production and jasmine cultivation. Additionally, children of poor fisher folk are receiving vocational training in air conditioning, refrigerator repair, welding, computer science, and printing technology, among other things.