Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 08 December 2023
A significant week-long awareness initiative focusing on sea turtle nesting and the criticality of habitat conservation came to a successful close on December 6, 2023, at Car Nicobar Island. Organized collaboratively by the ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (CIARI), Port Blair, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Car Nicobar, and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in New Delhi, the program witnessed active participation from 105 Nicobarese fishers hailing from various villages.
Spanning villages like Kimios, Kakana, Arong, Teetop, Sawai, Perka, Big Lapathy, and Malacca, the initiative aimed to enlighten participants about the ecological significance of sea turtle nesting sites and their pivotal role in ensuring the sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.
During the on-site event, participants engaged fervently, identifying key informants within their respective villages to relay accurate information upon sighting sea turtle nests and habitats. This pivotal step is poised to enhance the conservation efforts for these endangered species.
The enthusiasm and commitment shown by tribal fishers were remarkable, signifying their eagerness to contribute to the co-management of marine fauna, a move pivotal for safeguarding the delicate balance of the marine ecosystem.
Dr. R Kiruba Sankar, Senior Scientist, Dr. Santosh Kumar, Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Car Nicobar, alongside Mr. Mohamed Sarief and Miss Luncida Meshack, played instrumental roles in orchestrating the awareness program under the adept guidance of Dr. Eaknath B. Chakurkar, Director of ICAR-CIARI.
The program not only imparted knowledge but also ignited a spirit of collective responsibility among the Nicobarese fishers, fostering a promising outlook for the conservation of sea turtle nesting sites and the preservation of coastal biodiversity.
The successful conclusion of this initiative marks a significant stride toward bolstering conservation efforts and nurturing a deeper understanding of the vital role sea turtles play in the region’s ecosystem.