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Mangroves Conservation
The ability of the mangroves to reduce the intensity of Tsunami effects prompted many national and international organization to conservation of mangroves. With the assistance of “Project Aware of Australia” Chevaliar Roche Society undertook conservation and promotion programme in Punnakayal, Palaykayal and inigo nagar, Ratchaniapuram areas. The programme included concientization of the local communities, plantation of mangroves, restoration in degraded areas, and arresting of mangrove grazing, 450000 new saplings have been planted.
Coral Reef Conservation Programem
There are 21 coral islands in the Gulf of mannar. Coral reefs are a special kind of shallow bottom marine habitat. It is a colony of tiny sea anemone like plyps living together in thousands and secrete a calcareous skeleton of calcium carbonate. Coral reefs have provided an ideal habitat and breeding ground for prawns, crabs, colour fishes and other various marine animals. It absors carbonodioxide in global environment. They protect sea shore from erosion. The coral commonly called the “ever green forests of the sea”, As many as 133 species of corals are found in gulf of mannar. Coral polyp is a major source of calcium carbonate which is used by paper industries. Fisherman from about 125 villages in the mainland abutting the coral islands mine the coral for calcium carbonate which has resulted in the disappearance of coral beds in this area. Hence the Tamilnadu Government with the support of government of India, gef, and undp promoted gulf of mannar biosphere reserve trust. In 2005 GOMBRT has selected Chevaliar Roche Society for concientization of the coastal community in 5 villages and evolve a participatory rural appraisal. Our efforts made the villagers aware about the ill effects of coral mining. Village committees are3 formed to protect the coral beds. Training is imparted to villagers in alternative livelihood programmes and loans of Rs20000 arranged. In 2007 gombrt asked us to take up work in another 16 villages.
Marine wealth conservation and school children
In 2009 gombrt and Chevaliar Roche Society evolved a programme to involve school children in the conservation of marine wealth, initially children affiliated to NCC, NSSS, NGF and scout were encouraged to visit the coastal areas and participate in the conservation programmes and clean the shore. The project was extended to 80 school inThoothukudi District. Later on with the approval of Chief Education Officer, our staff organized awareness programme for children of all the school in the district. The training content included information about Indian coastal resources, Tamilnadu coast, gulf mannar, coral reefs, sea grass, mangroves, endangered animals, sea shells, sea cucumber, etc., information is shared also about wild life protection act. We are encouraging secondary school children to involve in species identification and rejuvenation of marine wealth and providing research opportunities in marine biology to under-graduate students.
Sea Weed Culture
This alternative livelihood project is aided by Wetland international for the Tsunami affected area. The project aims supplement the income of fishermen families by production of sea weed. Men and women are given training in commercial production of sea weed using bamboo raft. The producers were then tied up with Pepsi Co for marketing.
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