Mangrove forests are highly eco-sensitive. They are the nesting areas of birds and breeding area for fishes. Be a responsible tourism operator and tourist by not including mangrove forest visits into your tour itinerary.And, if it all you are doing it, ensure that you dont damage the highly sensitive ecosystem. The mangroves belong to the birds for nesting and the fish breed at the roots. Too much human activity disrupts these.
There is already a 30% drop in the migratory birds at Kerala.
Mangroves are highly eco sensitive. Mangroves around Kadamakkudy Islands are the natural habitats of the birds. Knowingly or unknowingly if you are participating in any tourism related activities damaging the eco system of magrove forests is illegal and can invite penalties and even imprisonment.
How the Indian Forest Act applies to Mangroves
- Classification of Forests: The Act empowers the government to declare mangrove areas as either Reserved Forests or Protected Forests.
- Regulatory Measures: Once designated as a forest, specific regulations under the Act govern activities within these areas, controlling their use and ensuring their protection.
- Enforcement and Penalties: The Act includes provisions for penalties for any infringement of its rules, providing a deterrent against activities that harm mangrove forests.
- Forest Settlement: The Act also outlines a process for forest settlement, where claims from local communities regarding usage of forest land are considered and decided by a forest settlement officer.
Complementary Laws for Mangrove Protection
The Indian Forest Act is one part of a broader legal framework. Other key legislation includes:
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Through its Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications, this act categorizes mangroves as ecologically sensitive areas and restricts development in buffer zones, also mandating compensatory replanting.
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: This act also extends protection to mangroves and the species they host.
- Biological Diversity Act, 2002: This Act also plays a role in the protection of biodiversity within these ecosystems.
Promotional Measures
In addition to regulatory measures, the government has also launched promotional programs like the Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI) to promote and restore mangrove forests and their sustainability.
How can we minimise ecological impact?
- The best option is to keep away from the magroves. There are are plenty of other areas available for boating and kayaking.
- If at all you are going there then adhere to the foloowing;
- Do not make too much noise
- Do not go too close to the mangroves
- Do not go in big vessels
- Do not use bright coloured kayaks and vessels
- Do not wear bright coloured clothes
- Avoid music
- If you are a tourist operator, limit the number of trips.
- Use binoculars to see birds close
- Use zoom lens for bird photography
This is a request. Kadamakkudy Islands without birds, farmers and pokkali will be of no interest to the tourists in the long run. This place with immense possibilities of experiential tourism focussing on local culture has much higher value than just kayaking, boating and kallu shop (toddy parlour). Let us promote responsible tourism in the region.
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