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Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment
Community Environmental Resource Center
Threat Based Conservation Intervention for Sustainability in Vembanad Socio Ecological System in the Times of Climate Change
CSR Project Funded by ANTRIX Corporation
Wetlands are areas "where water is the essential factor controlling the environment and the related plant, animal and human life." They represent around 6% of the global land region and are among the most debilitated of all ecological assets. The overutilization of the aggregate wetlands stock has resulted from a blend of financial development pressure, population growth data deficiency, and intervention decline. There is a lack of comprehensive studies related to threats to wetland ecosystems, especially in India.
Vembanad Estuarine System, along with adjoining Kole lands, is one of India's most critical wetlands designated as a Ramsar site in 2002. Despite many conservation interventions, Vembanad lacks specific and focused conservation efforts. There is a wide range of gap for the clear threat-based conservation studies about the Vembanad Kol wetland. Hence it is the need of time to introduce action-based participatory studies.
The project "Threat Based Conservation Intervention for sustainability in Vembanad Socio-Ecological system in the times of climate change" was designed to address some of the significant threats to the Vembanad ecosystem. The project focuses on six prominent threats the Vembanad ecosystem undergoes today, which includes
i) Lake pollution
ii) Lake reclamation
iii) Invasive species
iv) Unsustainable resource use
v) Climate change and
vi) Livelihood Enhancement
Activities Under this Project
Lake pollution
Sustainable Menstrual hygiene
An intervention to tackle the enormous menstrual waste pollution in water bodies of Muhamma.
Awareness programs to promote sustainable alternatives Collaboration with various arms of the government and support systems to bring behavioural changes among the community.
Unsustainable Resource use
Awareness campaign on ‘Ethical fishing'
ATREE-CERC led classes on ‘Responsible fishing practices along with Dept of Fisheries, Government of Kerala
Nine awareness sessions covering 250+ fisherman and clam collectors in Vembanad and Ashtamudi
Lake Reclamation
Canal Rejuvination
The campaign aimed to renovate all the canals in Muhamma panchayath with the participation of local stakeholders. Under this campaign initially Muppiri canal was renovated and furthermore eight other canals were identified and revived.
All nine canals were restored with the active participation of local stakeholders
Weed barriers had been installed at the mouth of each canal in order to prevent the intrusion of aquatic weed.
Lake pollution
Responsible Agriculture
Aim to reduce the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals
To promote eco-friendly farming practices
Equip farmers in responsible agriculture and safe food production
Livelihood Enhancement
Wet waste management using BSF larvae
Waste management using Black soldier flies(BSF) larvae is a novel technique that can solve organic waste menace.
This technology can reduce organic waste up to 80% by wet weight,
BSF bioconversion of organic wastes can help promote business opportunities in local communities
Invasive Species
Handmade paper from water hyacinth
This put forward a solution for the noxious aquatic weed by converting them into handmade paper which could be used for writing and printing as well. This not only eradicate the weed but also offers livelihood for locals
Unsustainable Resource use
Clam Relaying and Monitoring
Process of taking baby clams from the excess clam beds and laying in areas of low clam density
Ideal management technique to ensure clam sustainability
Livelihood Enhancemeant
Social Innovation Lab
The social innovation lab supports the women in Muhamma to develop, innovate, and create an enterprise that benefits the ecosystem and sustain their livelihood. Click here to know more
Climate change
Climate Leadership Program
ATREE CERC along with SUSTERA Foundation organized a Climate Leadership Program for selected youngsters from Kerala. Fifteen individuals were given intensive coaching on Climate Action for 6 days. These leaders have taken up small action in their own way at various capacities.