As part of our Global Programs, Positive Change for Marine Life (PCFML) is implementing our Marine Conservation Masterplan in the Kovalam and Vizhinjam regions in India. The plan is being rolled-out by our local full-time team on the ground in India (two international and one local coordinator), with plans to resource the training and employment of local community members to lead each project as the Masterplan develops.
Alongside strong input and leadership from the local community, we will be resourcing and facilitating the following:
1) Improving waste management and the ability to correctly dispose of waste;
2) Providing environmental solutions to assist with the transition away from the collapsing local fishing industry (waterway and reef remediation; fisheries management research (to improve processes); initiatives to mitigate over-exploitation (employment in ghost net collection and marine debris removal as an alternative to fishing);
3) Developing a self-sustaining, locally-led ecotourism industry;
4) Creating and implementing education programs to underpin long-term behavioural change;
5) Providing free training in alternative industries (waste, tourism, pollution and debris retrieval) for the local fishing community;
6) Ensuring fair employment opportunities with an ability to enhance the local economy, whilst improving local living standards.
Progress reports
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
Type of commitment
NUTRIENTS
- Fertilizer use efficiency
- Wastewater treatment
- Nutrient sinks (e.g. constructed wetlands)
PLASTICS
- Other (please specify): Implementation of waste management facilities and associated employment in the region
- Coastal clean-ups:
- Plastics product bans or restrictions :
- Plastics recovery/recycling/reuse:
SHIPPING
- Management of ship-based pollution and/or port waste management
OTHER POLLUTANTS (please specify)
- Other (please specify): Mitigating agricultural runoff, industry runoff and raw sewage outflow into Vizhinjams estuaries
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Community or Locally Managed Marine Areas
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
Type of commitment
- Economic benefits from sustainable fisheries
- Economic benefits from sustainable tourism
- Other : Economic benefits from a transition form fisheries to waste management
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Type of commitment
- Scientific, socioeconomic and interdisciplinary research
- Research capacity development
- Data access and sharing
- Training and professional development
- Scientific cooperation
- Actions that support SIDS and LDCs
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want
Type of commitment
- Activities to develop the capacity of States towards broader participation in and effective implementation of UNCLOS and its implementing Agreements
December/2021
Implement a long term strategy to clean the Vizhinjam estuary (Gangaya) that flows directly into the ocean, including planting of nitrogen absorbing flora, bank stabilisation, diversion of sewage, reintroduction of mangroves
February/2019
Commence the 'Keep the Sea Plastic Free' campaign in Kovalam and Vizhinjam, starting with local businesses, tour operators, resorts and hotels going single-use plastic free - providing free of charge alternatives and resources
July/2019
Implement mobile recycling centres in Vizhinjam Harbour and Lighthouse Beach to mitigate marine pollution/debris
June/2018
Implement quarterly education and training programs and workshops for the local community in Vizhinjam to address the overwhelming issue of ocean pollution and marine debris
Financing (in USD)
25,000 USD
In-kind contribution
We are committing $5000 of our organisations own small budget to kick-start the project and assist with setting up our Marine Conservation Centre in Kovalam from 04/2018. Also contributing 1000 in-kind volunteer hours to support the project.
Other, please specify
We are sending delegations of 'Global Ambassadors' (scientists, engineers, film makers, journalists) from around the world annually to assist with the project.
Staff / Technical expertise
We have employed 3 staff (2 international, 1 local) to run our office in Kovalam and train other locals to become stewards for the ocean and develop employment opportunities in areas associated to conserving the ocean, rather than exploiting it.
India
