 |
|
| programmes . research . advocacy . conservation . people . publications and resources | contact us . about us | |
|
|
| programmes . research . advocacy . conservation . people . publications and resources | contact us . about us | |
As it is one of the most densely populated biodiversity hotspots on earth, there is limited scope for expansion of the formal protected area network in the Western Ghats. Such a situation necessitates the development of innovative mechanisms for maximising and maintaining biological diversity in human-dominated landscapes in the region. Deriving from the concepts and principles of reconciliation ecology, socio-ecological inquiry and policy analyses, we aim to develop a reconciliation framework for developing informal conservation networks with landowners in the Periyar-Agasthyamalai Corridor of the southern Western Ghats. Read more…
-------------------------------------
All socio-ecological interactions are collectively influenced by environmental, legal, political, cultural, psychological and societal forces. In this context, it is crucial that we understand community perceptions and perspectives of resources, state policies, law and development. The project aims to understand and engage with the social, economic and cultural relations of the fishing communities and their community institutions with the natural coastal resource base, livelihoods and coastal development. This would provide insights into how they can be strengthened to participate in resource management, local governance and local development planning. Read more…
-------------------------------------
With increasing mechanisation and technological development, unregulated and unsustainable fishing operations are increasing, exerting tremendous pressure on natural resources. Management decisions and policy frameworks need to be based on information derived from strong scientific research. Unfortunately such information is very poor in India. Our research on marine fisheries involves undertaking long-term monitoring of trends in fishing, levels of exploitation and their impacts on existing resources, population dynamics and recruitment processes, which are all vital information for conservation/management prioritisation. Read more….
-------------------------------------
Coastal ecosystems, especially intertidal ecosystems, face the brunt of natural and human disturbances. Due to their differential tolerance and restricted movement, intertidal benthic fauna are among the most common organisms used to assess anthropogenic impacts and are excellent indicators of environmental stress. With comparatively longer life spans and as key elements in the food web of aquatic systems, they can integrate the effects of the environment. In a two-year study, as part of the ecology component of the Post-Tsunami Environment Initiative, a rapid survey of coastal inter-tidal communities was undertaken. Read more….
-------------------------------------
The effectiveness of legal measures for conservation in having positive ecological and social impacts is dependent on the appropriateness of its design. Marine conservation and fisheries management approaches in the country have followed largely terrestrial systems of management, which are often not appropriate from an ecological point of view and may ignore socio-economic complexities. Dakshin members have been researching the effectiveness and appropriateness of several marine conservation designs and programmes in the country from ecological as well as socio-legal perspectives.
Read more…
-------------------------------------
The December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and the rehabilitation efforts thereafter led to several questions related to the influence of laws on coastal communities and coastal environments. There was and continues to be repeated reference to and confusion about coastal laws related to post-tsunami reconstruction, the location or relocation of coastal communities and coastal resource use (sand mining and fisheries development). Read more…
-------------------------------------
Olive ridley turtles are well known for the phenomenon of mass nesting where thousands of sea turtles come ashore simultaneously to nest. Orissa is one of three rookeries worldwide where these spectacular arribadas occur. These turtles are also incidentally killed in trawl and coastal gill nets, resulting in the death of more than 100,000 turtles in the last 10 years. A variety of laws and policy have been adopted towards the protection and conservation of sea turtles. This has led to conflicts over the rights to and use of marine areas between the State, traditional and mechanised fishing communities and sea turtle conservationists. Dakshin members are involved in a project that seeks to understand the ecological, historical and social contexts of this conflict. Read more…
It is critical that research findings are translated into management tools and as sources for information that will help formulate appropriate policies. Towards this, we have produced policy briefs and manuals on coastal and marine research and conservation. Given the imperative to incorporate coastal and marine conservation into education programmes, we have worked on an educational activity/fun book for coastal school children. Read more…
-------------------------------------
The knowledge of environmental laws is integral to making conservation efforts effective and meaningful. The Environmental Law Omnibus includes carefully compiled commentaries on major environmental laws in the country, besides an Environmental Law Guide to provide interesting approach to comprehending laws. It is supported by Dakshin Foundation in collaboration with other civil society organizations. Read more…
------------------------------------
The site of the proposed Dhamra port project is located in northern Orissa on the east coast of India. The main point of contention is that this port will have several negative impacts on the ecosystems, including Bhitarkanika, one of the largest remaining tracts of mangrove forests on the east coast of India, and Gahirmatha, which is one of the few rookeries worldwide for the mass nesting of olive ridley turtles. This port project along with several coastal infrastructure projects has been opposed by fisherfolk organisations who believe these projects to negatively affect the traditional fisher communities of the region. Numerous biologists, conservationists and activists have voiced their concerns about the nature, impacts and process of permission and development of this port in different forums. Read more…
This is an online resource that contains basic information about sea turtles of the Indian subcontinent including distribution (by state), status, bibliographies, a directory of organisations working on sea turtles, research, and other resources such as newsletters, manuals, maps and other publications. The website will also serve as a portal for TAG (Turtle Action Group), the network for the conservation and monitoring of sea turtles in India. Read more…
-------------------------------------
This review involved an analysis of all the SSCP documents and relevant literature to arrive at a multi-pronged assessment of the implications of the SSCP, particularly its implications for the biodiversity of Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay regions. The outreach and advocacy had two strategies- the first was to focus and bring forward the legal and economic aspects as well as the main environmental issues of the project in simple and non-technical language. The second was to disseminate the findings through the media and published papers. Read more…
-------------------------------------
The Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter was initiated to provide a forum for exchange of information on sea turtle biology and conservation, management and education and awareness activities in the Indian subcontinent, Indian Ocean region, and south/southeast Asia. The newsletter also intends to cover related aspects such as coastal zone management, fisheries and marine conservation. The newsletter is distributed free of cost to a network of government and non-government organisations and individuals in the Indian Ocean and South East Asia.Read more…
-------------------------------------
The threats to olive ridley turtles and fishing livelihoods in coastal Orissa mandate an interdisciplinary approach and collaborative efforts for marine turtle research and conservation. To facilitate this, the OMRCC was formed in 2004 and includes the fishworker unions of Orissa, conservation organisations, development NGOs, reputed turtle biologists and individuals interested in sea turtle conservation measures and in sustainable fisheries. Expressly, this group seeks to demonstrate that collaborations between the state, fisherfolk, scientists and conservation groups can lead to better marine conservation and improve livelihoods. Read more…
-------------------------------------
Several local and community-based conservation groups are involved in the conservation of marine turtles in India. These groups can greatly benefit from a common network which provides necessary technical inputs and training in science based conservation and monitoring programmes. Members of the network can also share and learn from each other, and synergise their actions towards more effective conservation. The network was established through a workshop in January 2009. Read more…
-------------------------------------
Marine and coastal ecosystems are both ecologically and socio-economically complex, involving several stakeholders. A wide variety of research and action is required to remodel and reconcile conservation and development, to be undertaken by networks. Dakshin Foundation aims to achieve an integration of coastal conservation and development themes and disciplines not just within the organisation but also through collaborations and networks, and building and strengthening capacities of local institutions. Read more…
..
