An Overview Of Our Solution
Integrated management of coastal and inland estuarine fisheries for sustainable coastal communities in the West Coast of Karnataka, India
Who is this solution impacting?
Ecosystem
Océans/Côtes
Community Type
Urbain
Additional Information
- Population Impacted:
- Continent: Asie
Problem
Describe the problem
The proposed solution is integrated and comprehensive since it involves the traditional Rampani fishing practice along with the recent Cage Culture method towards achieving regular and continuous coastal resource and thereby sustaining livelihoods of dependent communities. The proposed solution includes the following activities: creating awareness on current destructive harvesting of fish resources
Biodiversity Impact
Through awareness destructive methods of resource harvesting could be mitigated. Rampani is usually practiced on the shoreline or close to the shore restricting entry of mechanized fishing boats in this region. Through Rampani fishing system, the entire community will be involved in harvesting activity and thereby share the resources equally. This will also aid in increasing the numbers of significant species in the region due to selective harvesting. In addition to the traditional fishing system, introduction of Cage Culture (new to this region) in the estuary will greatly improve the livelihood of traditional fishing communities during off season. Since Cage Culture is non-polluting and natural method, it eventually helps protect threatened species, thereby enriching the health of ecosystem. Resource Management Committee (RMC) will play a major role in allocating resources equally to all stakeholder groups. Harvested coastal resources will be channelized through RMC to the local and outside market which will directly benefit the stakeholders. Empowerment of women through active participation will bring about economic stability and also strengthen the socio-economic structure of the community at various levels
Solution
Awareness and education about current environmental situation will help the community realize the need for long term sustainable development of resources for present and future generation. Through Rampani fishing method over harvesting of resources will reduce to a great extent and this will provide opportunity for further multiplication of important and threatened varieties. In addition optimal utilization of resources will be brought about through Rampani fishing which will further help conserve marine / coastal biodiversity that is important to sustain life and livelihoods of the communities. Rampani method promotes timely and selective harvesting of fish resources. This will also allow threatened fish species to return to their habitats for further enrichment. Cage Culture being a natural process, promotes appropriate growth and development of fish and other species eventually enhancing the quality and quantity of endemic threatened species. Hence the proposed solution is comprehensive in nature as it leads to the protection of marine / coastal biodiversity and thereby sustaining the livelihoods of coastal communities. // The overall project area covers an area of approximately 46 hectares(that is about 20 sq.kms.)
Replicability
How many years has your solution been applied? 2 years // Have others reproduced your solution elsewhere? No // The proposed solution will require a proper Evaluation and Monitoring Procedure. This will be carried out in the following manner: The Resource Management Committee (RMC) will have powers to allocate resources to the community. Harvested resources will be channelized to the market through the RMC, thereby providing opportunity for equitable growth and income for all community members. RMC members represent various stakeholder groups which include local governing bodies. This will create a common platform for all sections of society to voice their opinions and views at regular review meetings and enforce appropriate measures for the betterment of the community and its wellbeing. The RMC will have powers to regulate and manage the resource utilisation and all related activities that will be derived out of the solution that is being proposed. Nominal User-Fee will be collected from community to maintain the system. Resource allocations will be done based on family size and requirement of resources. Market based tariff will be in place for the benefit of the community. Employment generation will see simple rise over a period of time. Conservation efforts will be mandatory for the community. Innovative and creative biodiversity protection and resource management practices will be appreciated and executed. Research will be carried out throughout the project duration to evaluate and monitor the solution process.
Human Well Being and Livelihood Impact
Human Wellbeing: The solution is comprehensive in nature as it takes into consideration both abiotic and biotic aspects of the region. The traditional fishing method will restrict activities of mechanised boats along and close to the shore, which will help in maintaining the quality and quantity of fish resources. The availability of this resource will sustain the market which will fetch appropriate income to the community. False fluctuations on rate and availability will greatly reduce thereby providing the community with regular income to sustain their livelihood and associated activities. Protection of coastal / marine biodiversity will not only promote fish resources but also enrich the aesthetics of the region which can be promoted as a rural tourism destination which will generate employment and income to youth and unemployed. Thus the solution surely promotes well being and sustains livelihoods of the fishing community. The proposed project area is the Aghanishini estuary and surrounding villages namely Aghanishini, Kaagal, Baada, Holanagadde, Masur, Hegde, Kimani, Bargi, Devarabhavi, Sanekatta, Madanageri, Hiregutti and Tadadi. More than one thousand (1,000) fishing families will benefit from this project which is dependent upon the coastal / marine resources in this region. // Thus RMC will play a major role in the management and governance of the project and related activities, which will comprise of representatives from various stakeholder groups. These stakeholders will be part of the RMC based on their role in the project. Few other agencies and authorities that are necessary for proper management of the RMC and its activities will also be included in the steering committee. They are listed as follows: (The list may undergo any modifications, if required, based on the actual implementation of activities. 1. Fishery Societies 2. Concerned Gram Panchayats (Village Governing Bodies) 3. Village Forest Committees (VFC) 4. Women Self Help Groups (SHG) 5. Youth Clubs 6. Dept. Of Fisheries, State Govt. 7. Marine Biology Dept. Under the Karnataka University, Dharwad 8. Central Marine Fish Resource Institute (CMFRI) 9. Exports Marine Products Development Authority India Ltd., 10. Forest Dept. / MoEF (Coastal Zone Management Authority - CZMA) 11. Govt. Tourism Dept. 12. Local Educational Institutes 13. Fish Marketing Federation 14. Local/Regional Financial institutions