Natural Resources Development Project

This month newsletter we give you a bird's eye view of the endangered shells of the Gulf of Mannar area - of which Rameswaram is a part. This is in continuation with our green Rameswaram series on bio-diversity of the region. Apart from the shells or the molluscan species the coral reef also play a very crucial role in the safeguarding of the marine fish populations. It has been documented that in this biodiversity hot-spot fishes belonging to 27 families and 50 species live.

CHENNAI: The centuries-old Rameswaram temple is getting a much-needed facelift with religious organsiations and corporates donating money to refurbish it. Two more rajagopurams (big towers) are being constructed on the northern and southern end of the temple with donations from Sringeri Sankaracharya and a Coimbatore-based businessman.

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This month newsletter brings you another excerpt from our book on the biodiversity of Rameshwaram - Gulf of Mannar region. Here we present the different turtles as well as the biodiversity inherent in the corals of the region. The Gulf of Mannar region provides a very interesting heterogeneous group of flora and fauna. From this region about 3600 species have been identified. Of this, 186 species are commercially exploited, 116 are vulnerable and 7 are considered as endangered. In the case of fishes of the 2200 fish species distributed in Indian waters, 441 species have so far been recorded in Gulf of Mannar. Gulf of Mannar is one of the best regions in the Indian region in fish biodiversity richness.

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.