Ecosystem Management of Marine National Park, Jamnagar, Gujarat
Rapid industrial development in Jamnagar had its impact on the marine national park. The project studied the overall potential threats, formulated a conservation and management plan consistent with stakeholders’ plans and suggested an implementation plan through a blend of economic instruments and control measures in order to protect the marine life, unique corals and mangrove ecosystem. Assessments were carried out for various potential impacts from different sources in the park areas on marine ecosystem and critical pollution sources such as industries, ports and shipping activities on the marine national park. Simultaneously, the prospect of developing an ecotourism corridor in the marine national park and the nearby Khijadia Bird Sanctuary was investigated. The project brought together the stakeholders ranging from government officials, representatives of industries, officers of the municipality, NGOs, academics and the private sector.