vembanad

Conservation for Livelihood

Past interventions for development and food production had a detrimental effect on Vembanad’s ecosystem. The major livelihoods of the region, which depend on the services provided by the wetlands, are in a steady decline due to the loss and degradation of wetland habitat. This program attempts to develop approaches, methods and tools that would restore/strengthen ecosystem elements which could benefit livelihoods of dependent communities.

ATREE has been working with fishermen and farmers to identify and enhance traditional methods to improve ecosystem productivity and this is going to be one of the thrust areas of our future interventions in the region.  All the activities are formulated and implemented with the participation of local self governments and other grass-root level community institutions. The programs have started yielding results and have captured the attention of the community. 
 

People’s Fish Sanctuaries (Mathsyathavalams)

  

Organic Pest Control
ATREE, in collaboration with local fishermen, initiated a major program to conserve the fish population of Vembanad by establishing Fish Sanctuaries.  These Sanctuaries provide hiding and breeding areas for fishes and are declared as no harvesting zones by the Lake Protection Forums established by the fishermen.  The program is expected to enhance the fish resources, which in turn will be beneficial to both the livelihood of fisherfolk and the biodiversity of the lake.  The program was inaugurated on 25th July 2009 by Mr. K.C. Venugopal (Member of Parlament).
 
The intensive use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in the vast paddy fields which are part of Vembanad wetland complex is one of the main reasons for the water pollution. In order to address this issue, ATREE, in collaboration with farmer’s collectives, local Panchayat and Agricultural Department has initiated a biological pest control program at Aymanam panchayath in Kottaym District. The method, using tricho-cards pasted with eggs of lab-reared Trichogramma to tackle the pests, has been implemented in 55 acres on an experimental basis. 
Fish Sanctuaries established and managed by fisherfolk
Anjuthaikkal, Ambalakadavu, Aryakkara, Kaipuram,
Pallikunnu, Shraithodu		    
 
 
Fishing in Vembanad Backwaters. Dr. Latha Bhaskar

Small scale fisheries management using traditional ecological knowledge: a case study from Vembanad. CERC - ATREE		    
     
 
Workshop on ‘Biological control for pest management using tricho cards’ in Kainakary Panchayath on 22nd January 2010

Interaction workshop of the Lake Protection Forums (Kayal Samrakshana Samithis) at  Muhamma Panchayath hall on 13th January 2010

Biological control for pest management using Trico cards in Aymanam panchayth - interaction with Padasekhara Samithi (farmer's committees) at Palliyar East on 16th December 2009

Dedication of People's Fish Sanctuaries (Mathsyathavalams) and workshop on responsible fishing at Muhamma on 25th July 2009

  Posters
Brochures
Partners
Steering Committee
 
Conservation Awareness and Capacity Building among Local Community
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Jalapaadom: Wetland Conservation Education.
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Comments to the Draft Regulatory Framework on Wetlands Submitted by ATREE to Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India.
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