The Marine National Park & Sanctuary (MNP&S) in the Gulf of Kachchh supports a variety of marine biodiversity due to availability of a diversity of habitats viz. coral reefs, mangrove forests, sandy beaches, mudflats, creeks, rocky coast, seagrass beds, etc. However, this region has also been extensively exploited for human developmental activities due to strategic location and importance of Gulf. Salt works, thermal power station, fertilizer plant, cement manufacturing unit, offshore oil terminal, soda ash industry, ship breaking yard, ports, jetties – all influence the area overlapping with the limits of MNP&S. In addition, Jamnagar district has medium and large scale industrial units involved in production of solvents, edible oils, cement, yarn, agriculture equipment, soda ash, salt, and fertilizers. Thus, MNP and other associated ecosystems are facing immense pressure due to industrialization, urbanization, tourism, shipping related activities and salt pans. The industrial activities coupled with traditional harvesting of flora and fauna from the realms of MNP&S puts severe constraints on the sustenance and survival of this eco-region. The assessment of pros and cons of this kind of co-existence of ecological and economic hotspots is essential in order to analyse
- Whether the sole objective of MNP&S’s establishment is fulfilled despite the fact that there has been a mounting growth in industrial activities in the vicinity of the park?
- The advantages of establishing an exclusive Marine National Park.
- How the industries and other stakeholders handled the MNP&S/ How the MNP and other stakeholders (g. industries) survived together?
- What has been the role of government in conservation and management of the MNP since its establishment in 1980-82?
This study aims at answering the above points by presenting:
- The ecological status (biodiversity) of MNP&S before and after its establishment.
- a macro view of the industries’ and stakeholders’ impact on MNP.
- a vision statement for sustainable and workable management for healthy co-existence of MNP and economic hotspots.