Planning for livelihood security of fishing communities in coastal areas: a case of Vasai

Abstract

Coastal regions are one of the most intensely used areas settled by humans owing to its abundance of resources. Coastal areas are favorable for development activities, as they are driven by many economic rationales such as, the presence of natural resources - fisheries, mangroves and coral reefs, accessibility of residential, industrial and other such activities. Fishing is an important livelihood sector which provides employment to millions in the country and contribute to the food security of the country. Marine fishermen, about four million in the country are dependent on coastal zone and its resources for their livelihood. However, with increasing human population, urbanization and accelerated development related activities, these coastal areas are facing tremendous pressure on their environment and resources. These areas are exploited for establishment of industry, resource extraction, tourism and urbanization, leading to a multitude of negative environmental impacts such as destruction of marine life due to pollution, accelerated erosion and overall decrease of bio-diversity. Fishing communities are thus facing significant challenges due to negative impact on marine life and sea water pollution. The prospects for economic development, employment opportunities, and income from marine fisheries livelihood has been compromised by adverse ecological and social effects. The marine fish catch has shown a diminishing trend in the last decade in the country. Small-scale fishers are the worst affected, with their limited resources and capacity, it is difficult for them to compete with corporations and big fishers for these diminishing resources. In order to achieve the relevant solutions to the growing problems in this sector, planning interventions are required which will help in the implementation of new strategies considering the opportunities and constraints prevailing on fishermen in this sector. With the aim of planning for livelihood security for traditional marine fishing communities, the thesis analyses the situation in Koliwadas of Vasai located on the north of Vasai creek in Maharashtra and addresses the issues faced by them. The ultimate goal of the study is to maintain livelihood security, without threatening the natural resources and the immediate coastal environment. The area is facing challenges due to rapid urbanization, pollution due to industries, excessive sand mining among a few others. In order to provide solutions and formulate policies and strategies the varying economic, social and institutional conditions were assessed. Through literature sources, socio-economic and environmental issues for the coastal zone affecting marine fishing communities were identified and examined. The study assessed the impact of various anthropogenic activities and environmental hazards and the extent of vulnerability of fishing community to these activities. The primary survey helped in assessing the socio-economic conditions of the fishermen, and also the issues faced by them. Assessing the extent of vulnerability, created a basis for adaptive strategies that need to be formulated. The sustainable livelihood framework guides in terms of building assets to tackle risks face by the community. The existing policies were also studied and how they are impacting them including the conflicting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification and existing government schemes and policies. The proposals are developed with a view to tackle the issues through: capacity building, measures for managing threats by anthropogenic activities, and policy level recommendations. For the threats identified by anthropogenic activities, adaptive measures have been formulated. Also, by formulating strategies for capacity building of the community along with creating guidelines for infrastructure development, the vulnerability to challenges faced by the fishermen was addressed. Policy level recommendations have been proposed for judicial use and management of resources