Community
Photo: Andrea Deri
Community Committment
In January 2008, the Agatti Village Panchayat (assembly) submitted a letter of recommendation to the Honorable Administrator of Lakshadweep for the establishment of the proposed co-managed 'Agatti Conservation Reserve'.
This letter officially marks the island community's committment to creating India's first co-managed marine protected area (MPA).
The establishment of the MPA will help protect biological diversity, and will help local people make a sustainable living from their environment.
Unanimous Support
A remarkable number of stakeholders - 1,941 which represents 55 % of Agatti's adult population - have shared their ideas for the proposed MPA in Agatti. Fishermen, government officials, housewifes, teachers, students, tourist resort staff and islanders of all walks of life took part.
This unanimous support from the community and government agencies will provide a solid foundation for co-management of the MPA.
Co-management
Co-management is a relatively new practice in conservation. It means that the government and the community share both the rights of decision making and the responsibilities of implementation.
Communities bring invaluable local knowledge in co-managing protected areas.
The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 supports co-management in the framework of 'conservation reserves'.
Women in resources management
More than 1,000 women offered their suggestions for the new protected area.
Agatti is a matrilineal Muslim society, and women play an important role in resource management. Their holistic approach and specialist knowledge of cowry, octopus and other marine resources is vital for managing the MPA.
Concerns
The community consultations and household surveys were conducted by ten Community Facilitators.
- waste management
- coral mining
- overfishing
- climate change
Updated: 18 August 2008