Coastal Ecosystems of the Tropics - Adaptive Management

The coastal areas of the tropics are rich in biodiversity, natural resources and place of intensive developmental activities as it provides livelihood to millions of people. At the same time evidences suggest that several unique coastal ecosystems viz., mangroves, wetlands, salt marshes, corals, estuaries, sand dunes and agro-ecosystem are vulnerable to natural disasters and events associated with global climate change. In recent times degradation of land, water and genetic erosion besides threat to native flora and fauna have been increasing due to unsustainable developmental activities. Therefore, a paradigm shift in deriving livelihood through conventional methods, developmental strategies, conservation practices are required for balanced and sustainable growth of the coastal areas. This publication strives to cover the status of different natural resources of the coastal region, various aspects of degradation process, production need and restorative methods besides new technological options and its socio-economic implications with case examples. Special focus is given to bring out the scope and potential of mangrove based farming, integrated and organic farming and its value addition besides the role of coastal vegetations as bioshield in protecting these regions from sea erosion, cyclones and tsunami. As the tropical coastal areas are vulnerable to climate change events, this book also covers the recent weather pattern, impacts of climate change and climate resilient technologies besides intuitional linkages and policy framework aimed at balancing development and environmental concerns.

Dr. Velmurugan Ayyam is working as Principal Scientist in ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, India. He has vast experience of working in the tropical region and has expertise in natural resource management, study of bio-geo-chemical cycles and climate change impact assessment in agro-ecosystems using remote sensing and GIS. He has worked in the World Bank funded land degradation management and water harvesting in the tsunami affected areas to restore the productivity of coastal areas and improve the livelihood of poor people. He has successfully implemented several developmental projects involving technology dissemination for the benefit of coastal communities and tribal people. He was a visiting scientist to Ohio State University, Columbus, USA. He has also worked in collaborative educational programme with ITC, Netherlands and successfully guided several Ph.D., and M.Tech and P.G. Diploma students in different aspects of natural resource management. He has published several peer reviewed research articles in reputed research journals and authored several books.

Dr. Swarnam Palanivel is working as Principal Scientist in ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, India. She has vast experience of working in the tropical islands and has proficiency in integrated farming systems, natural resource management, crop modeling and study of impact of agricultural practices on the island ecosystems. She has been working in resource characterization and optimization, farming system models for disadvantaged areas, restorative measures for enhancing farm productivity in island ecosystem. She has successfully developed methods for faster recycling of organic wastes, utilization of native microbial resources and assessment of island agro-ecosystem. She has successfully implemented several developmental projects involving technology dissemination for the benefit of tribal people. She has published more than 50 peer reviewed research articles and authored several books.

Dr. Sivaperuman Chandrakasan, is working as Scientist-D and Officer i/cof Zoological Survey of India-Regional Centre, Port Blair. He received his master's degree in wildlife biology and his doctorate degree in ecology of wetland birds in the Vembanad-KoleRamsar site from the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Kerala, and Forest Research Institute, Deemed University, Dehra Dun. He has been extensively involved in field surveys in different parts of India. His research interests are biodiversity assessment and documentation, impact assessment, policy analysis and ecological study of marine and coastal animals. He has published more than 200 research papers in national and international journals and newsletters. He also authored/edited more than 25 books published by respected national and international publishers. He has participated in 36^th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica during 2016-2017 and carried out studies on the species abundance and distribution of birds and mammals in Antarctica. He has participated and presented research papers at 60 national and international seminars and symposia. He is a life member of various scientific societies in India and abroad.