Alternative sustainable livelihood
The resource rich Gulf of Mannar biosphere reserve is abundant in its ocean wealth, but it is not infinite. Overfishing and the use of banned fishing methods can deplete and damage the sea bed of its corals and other life forms vital for the ecosystem to thrive. Kadal Osai FM works with the fishermen associations and research institutes to understand the necessity of these activities for the fishermen and to find alternative sustainable livelihood methods which will be eco-friendly and future ready.
- Promoting women involved in Alternative sustainable livelihood methods: As the trust also works towards promoting UN’s SDG 13 (Climate action) and SDG 14 (Life below water), it is involved in the promotion of alternative sustainable livelihood methods to help conserve the ocean’s resources for the future generations. For this, the trust works with institutions in the regions like CMFRI, TN Fisheries and Wildlife Institute of India to impart training on sustainable livelihood methods such as cage farming, sea weed collecting, ornamental fish culture, and making sea shell crafts. In these training programmes, women are primarily recruited as they can contribute financially to the family using the skills learned in the programme even at times fishing is halted due to various reasons. The trust has also provided support to skilled women by financial aid such as by buying sewing machines or finding sponsors for education for deserving girls.
