Challenge

The coral reefs of Lakshadweep are heterogeneously distributed among 12 atolls. The inhabitants of Lakshadweep rely predominantly on these local reefs for food and protection from strong wave and wind action. However, the recurrent impacts of bleaching events are particularly concerning for the future of this ecosystem. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events of 1998, 2010, and 2016 and consequent sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies have resulted in a drastic decline of approximately 40% coral reefs in the Lakshadweep archipelago over the last two decades. Previous research has established that the coral reefs are reaching thermal maxima in the Lakshadweep islands, and thus there is urgent need to strategically reduce other pressures, including extractive usage within the ecosystem, to allow coral reefs to recover at key sites, enabling them to naturally heal.

This project builds on the recent establishment of three conservation reserves in Lakshadweep measuring 675 sq. km - an outcome of two-decades of work in the islands and a testimony to a changed mindset of locals and the government. There is a willingness in the community and the administration to protect nature around them. The community understands that without the coral reef and its biodiversity their livelihoods are at risk. The current situation is thus most favourable to further scale up this work by proposing more such conservation reserves for the sustainability of these reefs.

In partnership with Srushti Conservation Foundation (SCF), we are identifying and delineating the geographic boundaries of a new conservation reserve in Lakshadweep, for the protection of 200 km2 of the coral reef ecosystem. An evidence-based governance and management plan for the conservation reserve will also be co-designed with communities and relevant stakeholders in and around the islands.

Conservation Actions

We aim to work on three tentatively selected coral reef sites within Lakshadweep Archipelago: Agatti, Bitra and Perumal Par. Of these, the site exhibiting a higher reef resilience by adhering to a scientifically established selection criterion, will be chosen for the establishment of conservation reserve. At the same time dependency of the community on these reefs will be established through community consultation and systematic documentation of traditional knowledge. Focus will be given to key components of the reef such as bait fish (which is invaluable requirement of pole and line tuna fishing which is main fishery and livelihood for the islanders) and other subsistence fishing resources such as octopus. The following actions are being taken:

• Systematic documentation of the coral reef ecosystem through literature reviews and field surveys
• Establishment of systems for continued documentation of traditional knowledge on coral reefs and associated biodiversity
• Documentation of local dependencies on coral reefs through community and stakeholder consultations
• Assessment of data towards making an informed decision on the geographical boundaries of the Conservation Reserve
• Training of community members and youth in collection of biodiversity data, monitoring and management of the proposed Conservation Reserve
• Documentation of best practice on sustainable reef resource management conducted and presented to communities
• Market assessments and value chain analyses for coastal resource products
• Consultations and meeting with local government authorities and decision-makers towards demarcation of the Conservation Reserve and input into its management
• Design and development of the management plan for the conservation reserve

Impacts

• At least 5% of the total island lagoon is rapidly surveyed at Agatti (1.4 km2), Bitra (2.2 km2) and Perumal Par (4 km2) islands.
• Formation of one Biodiversity Management Committees for organization of People’s Biodiversity Registers each at Agatti and Bitra.
• Establishment of one People’s Biodiversity Registers each at Agatti and Bitra.
• At least 20 women and 20 men are trained in conservation and management techniques for the Conservation Reserve.
• A publication on global/regional best practices in sustainable reef resource management.
• At least 2 women’s Self-Help Groups (SHGs) will be established for local arts and craft promotion.
• Management plan for the Conservation Reserve is submitted to the UT of Lakshadweep for initiation of its declaration.

Progress

• Acquired necessary permissions, and appointed project staff to support implementation.
• Trained six local youth in collection of biodiversity data, and monitoring and management of the proposed Conservation Reserve, and who will assist with project field activities on the three islands.
• Conducted locally led surveys on Agatti, Kavaratti, Bitra and Bangaram islands on giant clams as a proxy for coral reef health. A total of 36 transects were laid down in Agatti and Kavaratti and 368 giant clams were found, indicating healthy reefs. Coral biodiversity surveys have been completed around Agatti, Peramul Par, and Bitra islands (Lakshadweep). Community work has begun with traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) surveys.
• Conducted in-depth baseline surveys on coral reef biodiversity around Agatti island – the data is currently being processed.
• Started georeferencing data from a total of 264 references across the islands to create accessible and usable biological, physio-chemical, and social datasets.
• Started developing natural resource use and dependency profiles for Bitra, Suheli, Perumal Par and Agatti islands.
• Started research on a publication on global best practices in sustainable reef resource management for local communities and decision-makers.