Unique Programs of HEAL Movement

Plastic-Free Ocean Warriors

Summary:

The PDF document titled "HEAL Intervention on Environmental Protection in Coastal Zone" discusses the efforts and achievements of the HEAL Movement in protecting, developing, and sustainably managing the coastal ecosystem of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, India. Here is a summarized content:

Introduction

HEAL Movement has been actively involved for the last 30 years in the coastal ecosystem of Kanyakumari district, focusing on the following areas:

• Manakudi mangrove ecosystem
• Sand dunes and bio-shields in selected coastal villages
• Freshwater sources such as ponds and open wells
• Engagement of children, adolescents, and youths in environmental protection

Mangrove Ecosystems

HEAL focuses on conserving, developing, and managing the Manakudi and Rajakamangalam mangroves, with a primary focus on Manakudi due to resource constraints. Over the past 20 years, community participation has been key to HEAL's efforts in the Manakudi estuary, which covers 145 hectares and is the largest in the district. Main challenges include pollution from the Pazhayar river, waste dumping, tree cutting, encroachment, overfishing, and anti-social activities.

HEAL's Activities in Manakudi Mangroves

1. Community Participation: Organizing and creating awareness among traditional inland fishermen, adolescents, youths, children, women, and the general public.
2. Planting Trees: Planting over 500,000 Rhizophora saplings and 400,000 Avicennia seeds.
3. Documentation and Sharing: HEAL documents and shares its experiences and lessons with various stakeholders, supporting visits from students, researchers, and development professionals.
4. Government and Research Agency Collaboration: Influencing government agencies to support mangrove sustainability.

Outcomes

• Fish Diversity: Increase in diversity and quantity of fish, improving the livelihoods of 46 estuary-dependent vulnerable fisherman families.
• Bird Diversity: Over 80 wetland bird species are found in the Manakudi estuary, leading to its declaration as an "Estuary Birds Sanctuary" by the Tamil Nadu Government in 2012.
• Fiddler Crabs: A significant increase in the population of fiddler crabs indicates positive ecological conditions.

Management of Threats

• HEAL has identified and addressed several threats to the mangrove ecosystem, such as:
• Prosopis Julifora Removal: Removing this invasive species to protect biodiversity.
• Pollution Control: Establishing reed bed systems to filter out harmful effluents from coir retting units.
• Community Ownership: Forming committees and youth forums to monitor and protect the estuary.

Future Plans

• Eco-Tourism Development: Proposals submitted and funds sanctioned to develop Manakudi as an eco-tourism center, enhancing conservation activities and local livelihoods.
• Coastal Ecological Conservation Park: Developing a coastal eco-park in collaboration with local and governmental bodies, restoring areas damaged by the 2004 tsunami.
• Integration with Mangrove Ecosystem: Expanding mangrove plantation in marshy lands and establishing a model fish hatching and breeding pond.
• Pollution Control: Efforts to clean the Pazhayar River and maintain the estuary mouth for water flow.

HEAL's efforts have led to significant environmental and community benefits, showcasing a sustainable coastal ecosystem management model.

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Uniqueness of this project:

The uniqueness of HEAL's activity lies in its holistic approach to environmental conservation through extensive community participation, multifaceted ecological interventions, and strong collaboration with government and educational institutions to sustainably manage the coastal ecosystem of Kanyakumari.