06-bioresourcesstatu.. - M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation

M.S.SWAMINATHAN
Chairman
M.S. SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION
PREFACE
Coastal ecosystems, which are among the most productive and biologically rich
ecosystems in our country, include several lakes, lagoons, marshes, mangrove
.swamps, littoral zones and coral reefs. In the recent years, pressure on the
coastal bioresources is on the rise. This necessitates action for conservation,
sustainable and equitable utilization and genetic enhancement of the coastal
bioresources. Sustainable People-centered participatory management of coastal
areas is required to ensure both ecological security of the coastal zones and the
livelihood security of coastal communities. An in-depth understanding of the status
of bioresources in coastal regions holds the key for developing any effective
conservation and utilization strategy.
M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation since its inception has accorded highest
priority to the conservation and restoration of coastal ecosystem. The present
project, with the generous support of the National Bioresource Development Board
was undertaken to develop the state of art status reports on bioresources of
selected coastal locations in our country. Sites for the preparation of status
reports were selected based on a expert meeting organized at the Foundation
keeping in view the importance of the sites as well as the threat to the
ecosystem. The present compendium includes seven sites along both east and west
coast of India. It also includes three Ramsar sites and other sites of particular
importance to coastal communities. The study was undertaken in partnership with
local institutions with prior working experience in the area. I hope this
compendium will serve as a useful resource material for scientists, policy makers
and all those involved in contributing to the ecological and livelihood security of
the coastal ecosystem and farming and fishing communities.
We are grateful to the National Bioresource Development Board for their support
in undertaking this project. Our sincere thanks are due to Dr. (Mrs.) Manju
Shrama, Secretary; Dr. S. Natesh, Advisor, and Dr. Sundeep Sarin, Senior
Scientific Officer from the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, for their
active advice and encouragement. I also express my sincere appreciation to my
colleagues Drs. Ajay Parida, Hemal Kanvinde and R. Bhuvaneswari for their
efforts in coordinating the preparation of the status reports.
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M. S. Swaminathan
3rd Cross Street. Taramanl Instltutlonal Area. Chennal (madras) - 600 113. INDIA.
Telephone: (044) 22541229. 22541698. Fax: +91-44-22541319
E-mail: msswaml@mssrf.res.ln