The Hindu, October 21, 2014
Experts have suggested the formation of national and
State-level marine biodiversity cells for the conservation of sea
turtles and marine fauna.
The objective of the
biodiversity cell will be to coordinate between participatory
departments to improve nesting habitats and check causes of mortality.
The
national consultation workshop held at the Kerala Forest Research
Institute (KFRI) discussed an action plan for the conservation of
endemic turtles in peninsular India and sea turtles. Protection of
habitats and the nests of the species and the improvement of their
quality are the prime concerns of the action plan.
The removal of Casuarina and sand dune management in identified nesting sites have also proposed.
Enhancing
community participation in conservation through NGOs, regional
co-operation programmes, training workshops and awareness campaigns were
also discussed.
There was lack of awareness about
the species, particularly with respect to its distribution, breeding
biology and habitat requirements. The workshop recommended the inclusion
of the importance of conservation in training curriculum for field
staff in State forest training schools and forestry colleges.
Five
of the seven species of sea turtles found worldwide are reported to
occur in Indian coastal waters. They nest along the Indian coastline.
Sea turtles are protected under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, and
the trade in turtle products is also prohibited.
The
workshop was organised by the KFRI in collaboration with the Wildlife
Institute of India and the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
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