INDIA: In the serene expanse where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean lies the Gulf of Mannar, a ‘Biologists’ Paradise’ boasting over 4,223 species of flora and fauna. Indian Forest Service officer Jagdish Bakan, the Director of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, has become the first Indian to receive UNESCO’s Michel Batisse Award for his exceptional leadership in effective biosphere reserve management.
Catalyzing Change
Bakan’s pivotal role in transforming the region from a hotspot for over-harvesting to a beacon of conservation has garnered international recognition. His strategic approach involves more than patrolling the forest; he assumed the directorship of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust (GOMBRT), overseeing projects that focus on biodiversity conservation.
Alternative Livelihoods and Community Engagement
Managing a jurisdiction covering 21 islands from Rameswaram to Tuticorin Port and 252 villages, Bakan encouraged locals to adopt alternative livelihoods, breaking their dependency on fishing. Through micro-credit systems and eco-development committees, over 93 percent of villagers, predominantly women, engaged in sustainable activities like shell craft, palm craft, and more.
Eco-Tourism and Green Jobs
Driving the region towards self-sustainability, Bakan initiated eco-tourism projects, certifying local youth and deploying them to six sites. Profits from eco-tourism, amounting to 60 percent, contribute to ecological restoration and wildlife protection, while the remaining 40 percent empowers local villages for repairs and maintenance.
Mangrove Plantation and Coral Transplantation
Overseeing the ecosystem’s overall health, Bakan led mangrove plantation efforts, planting over 70,000 trees and expanding to 100 hectares this year. The impact has been evident, acting as a catalyst against natural disasters like cyclones and coastal erosion. His passion for coral transplantation, a delicate underwater process, resulted in the successful growth of over 600 square meters of coral.
Michel Batisse Award and Future Initiatives
The recipient of the Michel Batisse Award 2023, Bakan views this recognition as a platform for future projects. The scientific community’s keen interest underscores the potential for widespread impact. Bakan hopes that his model becomes a source of inspiration, encouraging others to observe and replicate their successful conservation strategies.
Innovative Environmental Solutions
One of Bakan’s notable projects is the plastic check post, receiving the UNEP Environment Enforcement award. This initiative, deployed along the 22 km coastal road in Rameswaram Island, checks and collects plastic waste from tourist vehicles. The plastic is redirected to the rural development department, where it is shredded and repurposed for road construction.
Jagdish Bakan’s journey exemplifies the power of innovative conservation strategies, community engagement, and sustainable development, setting a benchmark for effective biosphere reserve management globally.
Also Read: Michael Seaman Transforms Etsy Triumph into Swipesum’s Innovator-in-Chief
