Coastal commons refer to natural areas along coastlines that are accessible and beneficial to local communities. These regions encompass diverse ecosystems like sandy shores, mangroves, mudflats, and salt marshes. They play a crucial role in supporting the livelihoods of communities, especially those engaged in fishing and other marine-related activities.
Coastal commons provide essential resources and spaces for various activities. In traditional fishing communities in India, these areas serve as locations for docking boats, drying fish, and facilitating social and cultural gatherings. The natural resources present in coastal commons, such as fish and other marine life, are vital for the economic activities of local communities.
Coastal commons are critical for biodiversity conservation, acting as habitats for numerous species. They protect coastlines from erosion and extreme weather events, serve as carbon sinks, and help maintain water quality. These ecological benefits are essential for environmental health and play a significant role in combating climate change.
Coastal commons are increasingly threatened by overfishing, pollution, climate change, and development projects that lead to habitat destruction. These challenges jeopardize the sustainability of the ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. The governance and management of these areas are complicated due to their dynamic nature and the diverse interests involved.
In India, coastal commons encompass a variety of ecologically rich and culturally significant areas that fulfill multiple functions for local communities. Here are some notable examples of coastal commons across different regions of India, showcasing their uses and the challenges they encounter:
Description: The Sundarbans, located in the delta region of West Bengal, is the largest mangrove forest in the world. This region is a critical habitat for numerous species, including the famous Royal Bengal Tiger.
Use: The Sundarbans support the livelihoods of many local communities through fishing, honey collection, and ecotourism.
Challenges: The area faces severe threats from rising sea levels due to climate change, increased cyclonic activities, and human encroachment which leads to habitat degradation.
Description: Chilika Lake is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon and a Ramsar wetland site, known for its fishery resources and rich biodiversity, including numerous migratory birds.
Use: It supports an extensive fishing community and is a hotspot for bird watching and ecotourism.
Challenges: Issues like siltation, reduction in salinity, and pollution threaten the lake’s biodiversity. Efforts for sustainable management and conservation are ongoing.
Description: The Gulf of Mannar is noted for its biologically rich marine national park, which includes a chain of 21 islands and adjacent coral reefs.
Use: The area is crucial for traditional fishing practices, pearl diving, and supports local handicrafts based on shell crafts.
Challenges: Coral mining, destructive fishing practices, and pollution from industrial and urban waste are significant concerns affecting the health of marine ecosystems here.
Description: Vembanad Lake is India’s longest lake and is famous for its backwaters in Kerala. The lake is vital for wetland ecosystems that include extensive mangrove areas.
Use: It is crucial for rice cultivation, inland navigation, fishing, and tourism, particularly houseboat cruises.
Challenges: Environmental issues such as land reclamation, pollution, and intensive aquaculture have led to ecological imbalance in the lake.
Description: Located in the Kachchh district, the Banni Grasslands are known for their unique ecosystem. Though not coastal in the traditional sense, they are affected by salinity due to proximity to the coast.
Use: The grasslands support pastoral communities, handicraft industries, and are rich in biodiversity.
Challenges: Invasion by Prosopis juliflora (an alien invasive species), overgrazing, and erratic rainfall patterns due to climate change are major challenges.
These examples from various parts of India highlight the diverse functions and significant challenges of coastal commons. Effective management and conservation strategies are crucial for sustaining these ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
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