Khane Ke Liye Bachao: "Meen" thoughts on Coexistence in Coastal and Marine Systems
One of humanity’s oldest connections with nature is centred around food. This relationship has shaped identities and cultures across time and space. For India’s small-scale fishing communities, their relationship with coastal and marine ecosystems is critical to their lives, livelihoods, and overall well being. However, while coexistence was the norm, today they are faced with mounting challenges and multiple insecurities. How do we safeguard coexistence in such land and seascapes? This talk explored the ways in which coexistence was and is woven into fisher communities, the challenges of today and a shared conservation philosophy that should guide our path forward.
About the Scientist
Over the last twelve and a half years, Marianne Manuel’s work has been focused around issues of coastal governance and fisher rights. She has worked with fishing communities as well as local, national and regional civil society networks to centre fisher perspectives within law and policy. She is currently the Director of Dakshin Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to securing healthy coastal and marine ecosystems and enabling thriving fishing communities.