It is reported that Orissa state government has allocated just INR 1000 under the budget head for turtle protection and conservation of Olive Ridley turtles in its budget!
Mr Sanjiv Gopal oceans campaign manager of Greenpeace India said that “This is an indication of the level of importance the state government accords to its endangered sea turtles.” Mr Gopal said that “What is the point in creating a special budget head if adequate resources are not provided to the forest department to fulfill its responsibilities?”
According to a Greenpeace financial estimate in 2007 a sum of INR 7 million is required every year for effective sea turtle conservation activities by the forest department.
It has also been pointed out that the mortality rate of sea turtles along the Orissa coast is high. Crucially, the variance in figures between the officials and independent estimates continues as the forest department is yet to act on a commitment made last year to involve local NGOs in the turtle mortality census, to avoid disputes over the number of turtles killed.
The other area in which the state government has yet to demonstrate action is in the provision of income generation and alternative livelihood options for fishers affected by the fishing ban, particularly in the Kendrapara district. A pilot proposal is currently being drafted, but there is no clear indication as to when it will be implemented.
Mr Gopal said that “It is important that income generation options be provided to the traditional fishers in the Kendrapara region, who are affected by the ban on fishing in Gahirmatha Marine sanctuary. This will help improve voluntary adherence to the fishing ban, and resolve the livelihood distress being faced by traditional fishers in this region.”
(Sourced from Statesman News Service)
Mr Sanjiv Gopal oceans campaign manager of Greenpeace India said that “This is an indication of the level of importance the state government accords to its endangered sea turtles.” Mr Gopal said that “What is the point in creating a special budget head if adequate resources are not provided to the forest department to fulfill its responsibilities?”
According to a Greenpeace financial estimate in 2007 a sum of INR 7 million is required every year for effective sea turtle conservation activities by the forest department.
It has also been pointed out that the mortality rate of sea turtles along the Orissa coast is high. Crucially, the variance in figures between the officials and independent estimates continues as the forest department is yet to act on a commitment made last year to involve local NGOs in the turtle mortality census, to avoid disputes over the number of turtles killed.
The other area in which the state government has yet to demonstrate action is in the provision of income generation and alternative livelihood options for fishers affected by the fishing ban, particularly in the Kendrapara district. A pilot proposal is currently being drafted, but there is no clear indication as to when it will be implemented.
Mr Gopal said that “It is important that income generation options be provided to the traditional fishers in the Kendrapara region, who are affected by the ban on fishing in Gahirmatha Marine sanctuary. This will help improve voluntary adherence to the fishing ban, and resolve the livelihood distress being faced by traditional fishers in this region.”
(Sourced from Statesman News Service)
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