Greenpeace India

Healthy oceans are as important as ecologically rich forest-land and we require marine reserves to preserve the biodiversity of the oceans. While the Gahirmatha marine sanctuary has helped protect turtles and fish stocks in Orissa, the lack of involvement of fisher communities in the sanctuary’s management has created a conflict between livelihoods and conservation. Greenpeace, along with United Artist Association, conducted a comprehensive survey [1] and public hearings [2] with fisher folk around the sanctuary to get their opinions relating to marine conservation approaches and supplementary income generation schemes. The results [3] of the survey show that while fisher folk support conservation, they quite rightly want conservation models to factor in livelihood concerns. The next step is to take these suggestions to the government to ensure that the voice of the fishing community is heard and the recommendations are adopted. We have come so far because of the contributions made by individuals like you. Watch this video and contribute to this ongoing work for betterment of fisher folks: http://www.greenpeace.in/donate/donate-save-our-oceans.php To maintain its independence, Greenpeace does not take financial support from government bodies or business groups. Donations from individuals like you help further the struggle to keep our planet safe. Years of campaigning result in victories. This is possible because of the support from people like you. Help the effort to promote a model which reflects the needs of traditional fisher communities and marine ecosystems. Make a contribution now. Thanks a billion! Sanjiv Gopal Oceans Campaigner Greenpeace India Sources: Orissa: UAA and Greenpeace welcome start of alternative livelihoods project, www.orissadiary.com, June 7, 2011 http://www.orissadiary.com/CurrentNews.asp?id=27131 Orissa: Greenpeace India, UAA organise public hearing at Kharanasi, Gahirmatha, www.orissadiary.com, July 16, 2011 http://www.orissadiary.com/Kendrapara/ShowDistrictNews.asp?id=27304 Other fish in the sea, Greenpeace India, July 25, 2011 http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/publications/Other-Fish-in-the-Sea/