Panel Discussion on Coastal and Marine Biodiversity in Gujarat

22 Oct, 2016

A panel discussion on “Coastal and Marine Biodiversity in Gujarat” under GIZ’s CMPA project was organised on 22 October 2016 in Ahmedabad. The discussion was jointly organised by GIZ, Gujarat Forest Department GEER Foundation and International Environmental Film Festival and Forum of CMS VATAVARAN. Mr. Rohan Thakker moderated the discussion, Senior Research Fellow, ISRO. He also joined the panel speakers in highlighting the importance of monitoring of coastal and marine resources.

A presentation on “Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Protected Areas (CMPA)” was made by Mr. Abhinav Mehta, Junior Project Coordinator, GIZ. Mr. Abhinav highlighted the technical support measures on wetland management, capacity development and awareness being implemented under the CMPA project in Gujarat. He also shared the information on the interpretation centre developed by the project.

A case study on “Coastal Grassland Development by community organisation- on Gulf of Cambay” was presented by Dr. Bharat Jethwa from Green Support Services. Mr. Jethwa and delved into the importance to develop grasslands in saline areas and their ecological benefits.

Dr. Dishant Parasharya from Green Support Service spoke on floral and faunal species of Gulf of Kutch, specifically of corals and their economic importance. His key message was to intensify research on coastal marine resources and real time monitoring.

Mr. Uday Vora, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Gandhinagar talked about the wetlands of Gujarat and its importance with a point of biodiversity and the work that CMPA project is doing on coastal wetlands of Gujarat in partnership with GFD and GEER.

There was a very dynamic discussion from the audience after the presentations from the speakers. The audience consisted of local NGOs, local media, students and researchers. There was a discussion on the need for intensifying conservation activities at the ground level in participatory manner with the rural people. Some also expressed the need to bridge the gap between the communities and scientific fraternity.

The event ended with the common understanding that in addition to creating such dialogues, it is urgent to look into the human actions and the need to bring in more stringent policy interventions. The marine biodiversity at Gujarat’s coast harbours some rare species of corals and mammals, therefore the development should be in accordance, that minimum or no impact is created on these ecosystems.