Experts urge national plan to protect India’s marine mammals and coastal biodiversity – BusinessLine

Report on the Proposed National Action Plan for Marine Mammal Conservation in India

Introduction: Addressing Threats to Marine Ecosystems

In response to growing concerns over the challenges confronting marine mammals along India’s coastline, a consensus has emerged among experts for the urgent formulation of a National Plan of Action for Marine Mammal Conservation. This initiative is critical for the long-term protection of these ecologically significant species and aligns directly with global commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Strategic Recommendations for Conservation and Sustainable Development

During recent discussions, key stakeholders outlined a multi-faceted approach to safeguard marine mammal populations. The proposed strategy emphasizes collaboration, scientific research, and community involvement, reflecting the principles of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

1. Establishment of a National Multi-Institutional Network: Experts, including A. Bijukumar, Vice-Chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, have called for a national network to coordinate research, monitoring, and conservation activities. Such a partnership is essential for a cohesive and effective national strategy.
2. Development of a Coordinated and Funded Conservation Plan: CMFRI Director Grinson George highlighted the urgent need for a well-funded, coordinated plan that clearly defines the roles of research institutions, enforcement agencies, and coastal communities. This structured approach is fundamental to achieving the targets set under SDG 14.
3. Enhancement of Scientific Research Capabilities: A critical recommendation is to authorize qualified marine scientists and research institutes to handle stranded marine mammals and conduct post-mortem examinations. This scientific data is invaluable for understanding causes of death, mitigating threats, and informing evidence-based conservation policies.

Linkages to Economic Sustainability and International Trade

The conservation of marine life has tangible economic benefits, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. It was noted that recent research on marine mammals by the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) was instrumental in helping India overcome a significant hurdle related to seafood exports to the United States. This outcome demonstrates that robust environmental stewardship and species protection can support sustainable economic activities and secure international market access.

Conclusion: A Call to Action for Marine Biodiversity

The call for a National Plan of Action represents a pivotal step towards integrating marine mammal conservation into India’s broader sustainable development framework. By focusing on scientific research, multi-stakeholder partnerships, and policy implementation, India can effectively advance its commitment to SDG 14, ensuring the health of its marine ecosystems for future generations.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water

  This is the most prominent SDG addressed in the article. The entire focus is on the conservation of marine mammals, which are a critical part of marine ecosystems. The call for a “National Plan of Action for Marine Mammal Conservation” and the emphasis on research and monitoring directly align with the goal of conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article explicitly calls for collaboration among various stakeholders. The proposal for a “national multi-institutional marine mammal network” and a coordinated plan involving “research institutions, enforcement agencies, and coastal communities” highlights the need for strong partnerships to achieve the conservation objectives, which is the core principle of SDG 17.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 14.2: 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.

  The call to formulate a “National Plan of Action for Marine Mammal Conservation” is a direct action aimed at protecting marine ecosystems. Marine mammals are keystone species, and their protection is essential for maintaining the health and resilience of marine environments.

• Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology… in order to improve ocean health.

  The article strongly advocates for enhancing scientific research. The emphasis on allowing “qualified marine scientists and research institutes to handle stranded marine mammals and conduct post-mortem examinations” is a clear call to increase scientific knowledge and research capacity to understand threats and improve conservation outcomes.

• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources.

  The proposal to create a “national multi-institutional marine mammal network to coordinate research, monitoring, and conservation activities” perfectly embodies this target. It calls for a partnership that brings together different institutions to share knowledge and coordinate efforts for a common conservation goal.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention any official SDG indicators by their numerical codes. However, it implies several actions and outcomes that can serve as qualitative or quantitative indicators to measure progress:

• Indicator for Target 14.2: The development and official adoption of the “National Plan of Action for Marine Mammal Conservation.” The existence and implementation of such a plan would be a clear measure of progress.
• Indicator for Target 14.a: The number of post-mortem examinations conducted on stranded marine mammals to determine causes of death. This would be a direct measure of the increased research capacity and scientific activity called for in the article.
• Indicator for Target 17.16: The establishment and operational status of the “national multi-institutional marine mammal network.” The successful formation of this network with defined roles for research institutions, enforcement agencies, and coastal communities would indicate progress in building effective partnerships.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thehindubusinessline.com