MANGROVE CONSERVATION & LIVELIHOODS
Organization: Resilient Destinations Foundation
Location: Kerala, India
Funding Request: $15,000
The project aims to enhance climate and community resilience through sustainable development projects and linking those with responsible tourism initiatives, including mangrove conservation, climate change resistant food initiatives, revival of the handloom sector, and community-based early warning systems. The intended outcomes are improved biodiversity protection, economic stability, livelihoods with dignity, supplementary sources of income for affected communities, and increased community engagement through a practical circular economy.
The Issue:
The coastal district of Ernakulam, Kerala, faces multiple conservation challenges exacerbated by climate change. Frequent tidal flooding, increased salinity in water bodies, soil erosion, and diminishing fish yields are significant issues. The 2018 Kerala floods highlighted the region’s vulnerability, causing extensive damage to livelihoods, infrastructure, and homes. These challenges are compounded by rising sea levels, intensifying cyclonic patterns, and the precarious nature of daily life in these coastal communities. Efforts are ongoing to develop climate-resilient solutions, but the region continues to struggle with environmental degradation and economic instability.
Grant Award Use:
Through responsible tourism activities like boat rides, farm tours, and experiences such as the Nilavala twilight dinner and Chekutty doll workshops, the project fosters a circular economy where tourism supports conservation and community development. ATCF funding will be utilized to support these activities, including multiple training activities for local stakeholders & repurposing fishing nets.
What Would a Successful Project Result In?
The ultimate success of this project would be the seamless collaboration of the Tourism, Development, and Humanitarian sectors on a unified platform to co-create climate-resilient and climate-responsible destinations that secure dignified livelihoods for community partners. This would manifest in the planting and nurturing of 200,000 additional mangrove saplings, significantly enhancing ecosystem resilience. It would also empower 30 women weavers by increasing their livelihood opportunities through the production of Chekutty dolls. Furthermore, the project would reduce economic losses from climate-related events by implementing early warning forecasting systems, while enhancing community preparedness by training 500 tourism industry professionals, including taxi drivers and hotel staff, as first responders. Together, these efforts would build a sustainable and resilient future for both the environment and the communities involved.
