ICAR-CIBA in association with the Society of Coastal Aquaculture and Fisheries (SCAFi), organized an interaction on the occasion of World Environment Day with a theme “Beat Plastic Pollution” on 5th June, 2018 at CIBA headquarters, with a lead talk delivered by Dr.E.Vivekanandan, National Consultant, Bay of Bengal Programme an Inter-Governmental Organization. The talk brought to the focus on “Human Interventions in Coastal Environment” emphasizing that people should strive to change their everyday lives to reduce the heavy burden of plastic pollution. Reduction in the use of plastic materials, awareness creation, promoting individuals responsibility and monitoring and implementation of the programmes like “Clean India” are the measures for beating the plastic pollution at the local level he suggested. Likewise, at the national level, the government need to regulate plastic production, it’s usage and recycling. He highlighted the concept of ecosystem services, the impact of plastic pollution on ecosystem services and the importance of economic valuation of ecosystem services. Dr.K.K.Vijayan, Director, CIBA and President, SCAFi in his presidential remarks emphasized that the ecosystem need to be viewed from a holistic perspective but need to initiate proactive actions at the local level. In this connection, he cited the cleaning up of Adayar estuary by the govt. of Tamilnadu, and the follow-up activities have taken up by CIBA, involving the nearby villages through alternative livelihoods activities for the local fisher families. He necessitated the importance of plastic management at the local level and coordination between local people, private enterprises and government agencies to prevent plastic pollution.
Mr Suresh, Member Fishermen Cooperative society of Srinivasapuram Panchayat acknowledged the CIBA’s efforts in introducing aquaculture activities in Adayar estuary for their livelihood development and pledged their support for the plastic-free village. Dr.Kannappan, Secretary, SCAFi in his welcome address highlighted the initiatives of SCAFi for environmental education. More than 100 participants including 25 fishers from the nearby villages, scientists, technical officers, research scholars and other staff of CIBA attended the meeting. Dr.M.Muralidhar, Principal Scientist & Section In-charge, Environment Section proposed the vote of thanks.
