Mumbai for Me: Coastal dwellers' livelihood could get boost

MUMBAI: The mangrove conservation project proposed by the forest department would have strong community participation, if all goes as planned. In Mumbai, locals in Gorai would be involved in conservation plans, while in the wider Mumbai region, communities in Vasai, Vashi, Koparkhairne, Ghansoli, Diva, Mumbra, Dive, Sarsole and Karave would be stakeholders.
Communities in and around Mumbai , which live along the coast, rivers and creeks, would help ensure longterm sustainability of the plan in the region, say officials. In return, fishing activities could get a boost.
The forest department wants to conserve coastal eco-systems as well as provide more livelihood opportunities to the stakeholders. "For better community participation, we are seeking the help of the MS Swaminathan Foundation of Chennai, an organization that has vast experience in restoring mangrove areas in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa," says N Vasudevan , chief conservator of forests and head of the state's mangrove cell.
"Typically, mangrove areas are restored by building a network of canals, which ensure free flow of tidal water into mangrove areas and augment local fishery resources," says Vasudevan.
An official in the forest department says that, statewide, more than 400 villages dot the coastline and would be directly or indirectly involved. "We are planning campaigns to bring on board students, youths, NGOs, officials and the scientific community," says an official . "If fishery resources get a boost, then the community would have a stake in the project."
The restoration of degraded mangroves arrests further degradation and increases fishery resources. The fisher-folk community would be key stakeholders in the restoration work. "By making them key stakeholders, they would do their best to preserve the area. Community members, both men and women, would be trained in nursery raising, canal alignment and digging and planting," says an official.
The M S Swaminathan Research Foundation's coastal systems research programme aims at integrating ecological security and livelihood security in a mutually reinforcing manner to achieve sustainable management of coastal resources. A project on wetlands implemented in eight villages in AP emphasized the need for community involvement in forest resource management and developed fuel alternatives, alternative employment and restored degraded mangroves.
The state may also tie up with corporate parties. "Under a tripartite agreement, the three parties would be the private ot corporate body, forest department and an NGO with a good track record and expertise. Such discussions are at a preliminary stage and have to be finalized after sanction from the chief secretary," says Vasudevan.