New Delhi: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Habitats Trust and HCL Foundation. The partnership, formalized at the ICG Headquarters in New Delhi, focuses on strengthening marine conservation through key initiatives aimed at tackling environmental threats and preserving biodiversity.
The MoU was signed by Inspector General Anupam Rai, Deputy Director General (Operations & Coastal Security), Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Director of HCL Foundation, and Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust. The collaboration marks a pivotal moment in India’s efforts to safeguard its coastal ecosystems, vital not only for marine life but also for the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Key Initiatives of the Partnership:
- Ghost Net Removal: One of the primary focuses of the collaboration is to address the problem of discarded fishing nets, commonly known as ghost nets, which pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems. These nets continue to trap marine animals, disrupt habitats, and degrade over time into microplastics, causing long-term environmental damage.
- Mapping and Classifying Ghost Gear Aggregation Areas: The partnership will work to enhance understanding of regions most affected by ghost gear, enabling targeted clean-up efforts in high-priority areas.
- Surveys in Ecologically Sensitive Regions: The initiative will include comprehensive surveys to monitor and protect biodiversity, with special attention to vulnerable marine habitats and species.
- Community Involvement: Coastal communities will be actively engaged in conservation efforts, fostering a sense of stewardship over marine ecosystems. Through education and participation, these communities will play a vital role in protecting their natural surroundings.
Inspector General Anupam Rai emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership is a pivotal step toward ensuring the health of our coastal ecosystems. The protection of marine biodiversity is crucial not only for the environment but also for the sustainability of the livelihoods of our coastal communities.”
The involvement of HCL Foundation and The Habitats Trust brings additional resources and expertise to the table, ensuring that these initiatives are well-supported and capable of producing tangible results. Both organizations have a strong track record in conservation and community engagement, making them ideal partners for this ambitious undertaking.