The SV Rainbow warrior sailing on the high seas.
"It is clear from today's discussion, that communities have the
most important role in ensuring conservation of our marine
eco-systems", said Sanjiv Gopal, campaigner Greenpeace India. "and
participatory, democratic processes amongst informed communities to
protect these highly fragile eco-systems is the way forward to
protect our seas."
Rainbow Warrior arrived at the Chennai port on Saturday
afternoon, accompanied by more than 15 sailing vessels of the
Tamilnadu Sailing Association (TNSA) to a traditional welcome by
the local fishing communities and school children. This morning,
over 25 different local and regional groups, discussed the current
situation of marine life in the Bay of Bengal and the different
threats they face. Among the participants at today's seminar were
Pankaj Seskaria, (Kalpavriksh), Dr. Kartik Shanker, (Atree),
Liyakhat Khan, (Equations) and Ashish Fernandes, (Sanctuary).
"Non-implementation of the Supreme Court Order is a matter of
critical concern for the Andamans and Nicobar Islands. " said Mr.
Pankaj Seskaria, with respect to the indigenous people of the
region.
Dr. Kartik Shanker, marine biologist with extensive experience
on the Olive Ridley turtles said in his presentation "To ensure the
conservation of this endangered species the decision making, as
well as implementation process, needs to adopt a participatory
approach, which would include the contribution of key stakeholders,
including scientists, conservationists and fishermen".
Commenting on The Central Empowered Committee's directives
regarding the Olive Ridleys, Mr. Ashish Fernandes, said "these are
a good way forward as they have taken into account large commercial
projects in ecologically and environmentally sensitive zones at
Orissa, like Dhamra, asking them to relocate the proposed port
site."
However Liyakhat Khan was not so positive about proposed tourism
developments at the Sundarbans, " The proposed project at
Sundarbans definitely does not adhere to the eco-tourism paradigm.
It is yet another example of development projects being given the
go-ahead, with no consideration whatsoever given to the surrounding
environment".
"Greenpeace is here to bear witness, document the wonderful
marine life of the Bay of Bengal and highlight the variety of
threats facing these seas," says Richard Page, Greenpeace
International campaigner. We are also here to start a dialogue with
people that are involved in the protection and the use of the
oceans, so that we can work together for the same goal, a clean and
healthy Indian Ocean."
For more information - not for publication:
Sanjiv Gopal, Campaigner Greenpeace India, +91 98 4553 5416
Maartje van Boekel, Media Officer Greenpeace International, +91
98 4034 1284
Richard Page, Greenpeace International Oceans Campaigner, +44
7801 212966
Report of The Central Empowered Committee on Olive Ridley Turtles
For more:
Save our Seas
The Deep Sea Conservation council
Go to the Multimedia section and check out the Rainbow Warrior video