INDIA, Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep archipelago - January 2009
Construction of a natural and cultural heritage museum and two guard posts in exchange for the establishment of a 2,471-acre marine and mangrove protected area
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The Lakshadweep archipelago lies in the Arabian Sea at a distance of 155 to 280 miles from the west coast of India. Minicoy is the southernmost island of the Lakshadweep archipelago, with a total population of approximately 10,000. It is the only island in Lakshadweep that supports mangroves and salt marsh ecosystems. The Centre for Action Research on Environment Science and Society (CARESS) is working in partnership with Minicoyans to revive traditional management systems for protecting the reefs and lagoon. Minicoyan leaders have committed to creating a no-take marine protected area for a minimum of 10 years, encompassing a 2,471-acre marine area and mangrove ecosystem. In exchange, Seacology will build a natural and cultural heritage museum, as well as two guard posts for the marine protected area.
UPDATE June 2009 - As of February 2009 field representative Samit Sawhny began working on coordinating completion of the pre-grant documentation and planning phases for the project. Seacology sent grant documents directly to project leaders to retrieve signatures in March 2009. As of early April 2009 communication is down on the island and the project leader is currently waiting for notification from the site that they are ready to begin the project and plans have been solidified. Additionally, Mr. Sawhny will visit Lakshadweep in July or August 2009. A Seacology delegation will also visit the site in January 2010.
UPDATE September 2009 - The land for the museum was purchased during the first week of August 2009. Additionally, as of September 2009 the land has been cleared and the community is ready to begin construction. Three local villagers with homes on the shore where the protected area can be observed have volunteered to keep watch and are maintaining a log of daily activities. In addition a poster of the area being protected has been prepared in both English and the local Mahal language. Copies of this poster will be displayed on every village notice board and other prominent places to help create public awareness of the conservation efforts.
UPDATE December 2009 - As of December 2009 field representative Samit Sawhny reports that the building plan has been completed. Samit met with the project coordinator who said that the labor and construction material is in place and they plan to start on the foundation this month.
