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"UNESCO Honors IFS Officer for Transforming Gulf of Mannar into Conservation Model"
In a groundbreaking achievement, Indian Forest Service officer Jagdish Bakan, serving as the Director of Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, has received UNESCO's prestigious Michel Batisse Award for his exceptional efforts in effective biosphere reserve management. This accolade marks a significant milestone, as Bakan becomes the first Indian to be recognized with this esteemed award.
Situated at the confluence of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar stands as a haven for biodiversity, housing over 4,223 species, including the critically endangered Dugong dugon (sea cow) and hawksbill sea turtles. What sets this region apart is its recent transformation from a hotspot of over-harvesting to a beacon of conservation, largely attributed to Jagdish Bakan's visionary initiatives.
As the director of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust, Bakan has overseen a remarkable shift in the mindset of local communities, once dependent on fishing as their primary livelihood. Recognizing the need for alternative sources of income, Bakan implemented a micro-credit system, empowering over 2,700 self-help groups and generating more than 7,788 new jobs for villagers engaged in eco-friendly activities such as shell craft, palm craft, and more.
Bakan's focus on sustainability extends to eco-tourism projects, where local youth are certified in lifeguard training and boat driving. Six eco-tourism sites have been established, with 60 percent of profits dedicated to ecological restoration and wildlife protection, and the remaining 40 percent benefiting local villages.
Highlighting the success of his conservation efforts, Bakan points to the thriving mangrove plantation, encompassing over 70,000 trees, and the delicate process of coral transplantation, resulting in an annual growth of 7 to 10 centimeters across 600 square meters until 2022.
The transformative impact of Bakan's work has not gone unnoticed, as the Gulf of Mannar now serves as a potential model for other regions. Bakan envisions a ripple effect, urging people to observe and replicate their successful conservation model. Notably, the project also includes a plastic check post, awarded the UNEP Environment Enforcement award, effectively curbing plastic pollution along the coastal road.
As the Gulf of Mannar experiences a revival in biodiversity, Bakan's leadership and the community's dedication are evident in every planted sapling and with each turning tide.
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