Perspectives on reducing anthropogenic interferences and mainstreaming nature-based solutions for sustainable restoration of Pulicat lagoon, India: from research to policy and implementation
Harini Santhanam
A E * , Shalini Dhyani B C and Xavier Benedict D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A National Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Campus, Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India.
B CSIR National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, Maharashtra, India.
C Commission on Ecosystem Management, International Union for the Conservation of Nature, 28 Rue Mauverney, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland.
D Art and Architecture Research Development and Education (AARDE) Foundation, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034, Tamilnadu, India.
E Present address: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru Campus, Karnataka 560064, India.
Marine and Freshwater Research - https://doi.org/10.1071/MF21242
Submitted: 6 May 2021 Accepted: 26 July 2022 Published online: 22 August 2022
© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing
Abstract
The present study highlights the modern threats and challenges faced by Pulicat lagoon, a coastal ecosystem, as a result of urbanisation, and port development activities, and provides a detailed perspective of the significant factors causing changes to the ecosystem properties over the past decade. In face of accelerated changes, the article presents the need to create policies that recognise these threats as well as emphasises on the mainstreaming of nature-based solutions. This can help effective management of the sensitive ecosystem, which is vulnerable and for which collapse may be imminent if urgent conservation efforts are not initiated.
Keywords: EcoDRR, ecosystem, ecosystem services, nature-based solution, port development, public participation, Pulicat lagoon, urbanisation.
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