Area Based Management

Spatial management tools are widely utilised in wildlife conservation. However, despite its 131 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), India falls short of its goal of protecting 30% of land and sea areas by 2030, as stipulated by the Convention for Biological Diversity under the 30x30 Target. 

To bolster India’s efforts, our team strives to identify, construct and guide innovative, participatory management approaches of area-based management for marine and coastal habitats in India. We focus on applying and improving spatial conservation strategies for marine areas through research, strengthening local and regional capacity, and increasing awareness on MPAs (Marine Protected Areas) and OECMs (Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures).

Our work in coastal Ratnagiri aims to forge partnerships with government agencies and local community groups to develop spatial management tools that secure biodiverse coastal and marine habitats and their associated livelihoods effectively and equitably.


 


Team

 

Dylan D’Souza

Dylan works in the Area-based management group of the marine team. He has completed BA in Sociology from St. Xavier's College (Autonomous), Mumbai. 


 

Shefali Girish

Shefali, a Project Assistant at WCS-India's Marine Program, holds a law degree from Christ University, Bangalore. Her work focuses on researching potential Area-based Management sites and monitoring policy developments in marine sustainability. Previously, she explored responsible data sharing at Aapti Institute and gained legal experience at Navi and several IP firms. She is passionate about the intersection of conservation and community engagement.



 

Recent Publications

  • Kale, N., Deshpande, K. (2022). Olive ridley turtle entangled in ghost nets in Kavaratti Lagoon, Lakshadweep Islands, India. Indian Ocean Turtle Newsletter 36; July 2022. Link
  • Lewis, R., Deshpande, K., Mendis, A., Patankar, V. & U. Mendiratta (2022) Illegal trade of marine species in India: 2015-2021. Wildlife Conservation Society – India Report, DOI: 10.19121/2020.Report.43707. Link
  • Mendis, A., Nikita, V.M., Ramya Roopa, S., Sultan, N., Shukla, S., Lewis, R., Deshpande, K., Balaji, K., Karve, A. & U. Mendiratta (2021) Media-reported wildlife poaching and illegal trade in India: 2020. Wildlife Conservation Society-India Report. Link


 

Credits: Photos - Karan Deshpande

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Youtube

Linkedin

© 2024 Wildlife Conservation Society - India

WCS, the "W" logo, WE STAND FOR WILDLIFE, I STAND FOR WILDLIFE, and STAND FOR WILDLIFE are service marks of Wildlife Conservation Society.

Contact Information
Address: 551, 7th Main Road Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, 2nd Phase Bengaluru - 560097 Karnataka, India https://g.page/WCS-India?share | 080-2973-7455