Maharashtra to expand mangrove-based livelihoods with eco-tourism, aquaculture push

The Velas Turtle Festival, organised by the Mangrove Cell with local villagers, promotes conservation and creates livelihood opportunities. Pics/Satej Shinde

The Maharashtra Forest Department has ordered a fresh push to make mangrove conservation a sustainable source of livelihood for coastal communities. It has directed the Mangrove Cell to expand crab, mussel, oyster and sea bass farming, ornamental fish rearing, and community-led eco-tourism such as boat safaris, bird watching, kayaking and mangrove nature trails.

Scheme scale

The directions were issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Maharashtra, in a July 20 communication to the Chief Conservator of Forests (Mangrove Cell).

The move is aimed at expanding the existing Mangrove Conservation and Livelihood Scheme, which is being implemented in six coastal districts through 199 Mangrove Co-Management Committees (MCMCs), benefiting around 3000 people and 446 self-help groups (SHGs).

The scheme supports crab, mussel and oyster farming, ornamental fish rearing and sea bass farming, while also promoting eco-tourism activities. According to the forest department, these initiatives are helping improve local incomes while protecting mangroves. Funds have already been earmarked in the Mangrove Foundation's annual budget for livelihood generation and promotion under the scheme, with approval from its Governing Body.

Women focus

The department has directed regular training for MCMCs and SHGs in planning, record-keeping and financial management. It has also called for greater participation of women, clustering of SHGs to improve production and marketing, and the use of scientific methods and hatchery-produced seed for sustainable livelihood activities.

Community-led eco-tourism will be expanded to ensure local communities receive a fair share of the revenue, while women will be encouraged to run food stalls, handicraft units and other income-generating activities.

Youth training

Local youth will be trained as eco-guides and drone operators for mangrove monitoring. The department has also stressed rotational harvesting, preventing over-harvesting and juvenile fish collection, along with regular clean-up drives, awareness campaigns, training and exposure visits.

Next steps

The Mangrove Cell has been directed to prepare a comprehensive action plan, along with an implementation timeline, within one month.

Did you know?

Every year, Olive Ridley turtle festivals, aka Velas Turtle Festival, are organised along Maharashtra's west coast, where endangered turtles arrive to lay their eggs. Visitors gather to witness hatchlings emerging from their nests and making their way into the sea. As some of the state's most popular eco-tourism events, these festivals draw wildlife enthusiasts from across Maharashtra, raising conservation awareness while creating vital livelihood opportunities for local communities.

3000
Approximate number of people benefiting under the scheme