Natural Resources Development Project

This month in our newsletter you can see how the local traditions can be revived for the protection of the bio-diversity and social coherence. What we have presented are excerpts from our publication, published as part of 'Green Rameshwaram' and the UNICEF WaSH initiative. They are also part of the panels in the awareness creation exhibition conducted at  various places in the island of Rameshwaram. In our 'Happenings' we have Azolla workshop, workshops on indigenous Varma-Bone setting techniques, Bio-methanation plant training and awareness camps.

This month newsletter brings you an excerpt from our newly published book on renewable energy.

Local food culture and traditions have evolved over millenniums in tune with the local natural resources as well as the energy-nutrient needs of local communities. Culinary delights have also evolved to stimulate the taste buds differently. Diversity is the spice of life.

This month we show you how the local cattle of Rameshwaram can be nurtured and the local bio-diversity turned into an asset by using the local traditions like feeding the cow. The Rameshwaram cow is a dwarf variety cow and is unique.

The importance of coral reefs for fishing in the Rameshwaram island. If coral reefs disappear then fish populations are affected. If fish populations dwindle then fishing communities are affected. Fishing communities  being an integral part of the socio-ecological fabric of the island the adverse impact on their livelihood shall disrupt the social fabric of the island.

The coral reefs of Rameshwaram are an important part of the sacred geography. They also have a great evolutionary history. They provide a prominent support for the Gulf of Mannar biodiversity. However today they are facing many threats mainly due to the pollution and global warming. We provide a glimpse into some interesting aspects of the Rameshwaram coral reefs. The coral reefs have been there for millions of years. Home to many organisms the marine biodiversity is heavily dependent on the coral reefs and they had also protected the population from the 2004 Tsunami.

Bio-diversity is one of the important aspects that has to be studied, documented and conserved at Rameshwaram.Rameshwaram island is one of the chain of islands that are present in the Gulf of Mannar bio-diversity hot-spot region.Read about it and its importance in the newsletter. Shells, Coral Reefs and Sea algae - the bio-diversity of this island needs to be showcased and this is a small beginning. Also find out about the renovation work of Ramar Teertham. We have excellent press coverage of the event. We have shown the condition of the teerthamprior to the renovation.

As part of the 'Green Rameshwaram' project we have been able to bring smiles and light into the hamlets of Danushkodi with solar power installations. Sponsored by BrahMos Aerospace the project has not only lighted up the individual houses of the hamlet but also the community commons including the panchayat school and street lights in the area. The renewable energy installations is a short in the arm of the Green Rameshwaram project. Along with this we have also conducted a meeting of the special interest groups with the District Collector Sri.Nanthakumar IAS.

This month we have exciting report on Dharmar Teertham. After identifying the Teertham area which was a plain sand dune and after the initial ceremonies, we started digging. And we discovered a huge beautiful traditional water body emerging as the sand dune got cleared. The centuries old structure made with lime mixture has a wonderful finishing touch and is mostly intact even after centuries of being buried under the sand dune. In the Green Rameshwaram project we have a host of works done by our team of workers at Rameshwaram.