Project Dolphin

About Project Dolphin

• It is to strengthen the marine ecology and overall health of the marine environment.
• This project includes strengthening of patrolling and surveillance, improving habitat through restoration of coastal ecosystems, removing ghost nets, and encouraging involvement of locals with incentives.
• It will be implemented at a cost of 8.13 crore rupees during 2023-2024.
• Funding: While 60% of the amount will be given by the Union government, the State will bear the remaining cost.
• This will be helpful in improving the population of dolphin species and protection of their habitat at the same time improving livelihood of the local communities.
• More than nine species of marine dolphins are found in the coastal waters of Tamil Nadu.
• The major habitats of the dolphins are found in the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.

What is the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitat programme?

• It is an on-going Centrally Sponsored Scheme which has been made operational by adding more components and activities to the erstwhile Centrally Sponsored Scheme - "Assistance for the Development of National Parks and Sanctuaries" during the 11th Plan Period.
• Components of the scheme
  • Support to Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves).
  • Protection of Wildlife Outside Protected Areas.
  • Recovery programmes for saving critically endangered species and habitats.

Key facts Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve

• It is endowed with three distinct Coastal ecosystems namely coral reef, seagrass bed and mangroves.
• It is considered one of the world’s richest regions from a marine biodiversity perspective.
• It is the first Marine Biosphere Reserve in South and SouthEast Asia.
• It has been recognized by the Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme of UNESCO.
• It is also home to several globally important and highly threatened species like the Dugong, whale shark, sea horses, Balanoglossus, green sea turtle, Hawksbill turtle, dolphins, sacred chanks etc.

Q1) What is Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme?

It is a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) initiative that aims to promote sustainable development and conservation of natural resources by establishing a network of protected areas known as Biosphere Reserves. These reserves are designated areas where efforts are made to reconcile the conservation of biodiversity with the sustainable use of natural resources.

Source: TN govt implements ‘Project Dolphin’ to strengthen marine ecology