LiFE | Scuba Divers organise underwater clean-up in coral reefs to clear the plastic debris

World Environment Day (June 5) is an occasion which brings together millions of people across the country for awareness and action for the environment. This year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India envisages to celebrate the World Environment Day 2023 with a thrust on the Mission LiFE. The concept of LiFE, i.e., Lifestyle for Environment was introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, at the World Leaders’ Summit in Glasgow at the 2021 UNFCCC COP26, when he gave a clarion call to rekindle a global pursuit to adopt sustainable lifestyle and practices. Mass mobilisation across the country on LiFE are being organized in the run-up to the celebrations.

 

1. The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM)

NCSCM Scuba Divers organised an underwater clean-up along the Munaikadu, a coastal village located in the Palk Bay region of the state of Tamil Nadu, as part of the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) movement. Palk Bay is a shallow body of water that lies between the southeastern coast of India and the northern coast of Sri Lanka. It is a part of the larger Palk Strait, which connects the Bay of Bengal in the northeast with the Gulf of Mannar in the southwest. Palk Bay is ecologically significant and supports a diverse range of marine life, including various species of fish, crustaceans, and sea turtles. The region is also known for its coral reefs and seagrass beds, which provide important habitats for marine organisms. The village is predominantly inhabited by fishermen who rely on the rich marine resources of Palk Bay for their livelihood. However, Palk Bay faces several environmental challenges in recent years, including marine litter.

On the clean-up drive, NCSCM scientists went scuba diving in coral reefs and seagrass meadows to clear the plastic debris in the coral reefs. Along with the NCSCM team, fishermen, boat owners, and seaweed cultivators, including women, joined in the effort to remove marine debris from the ecologically sensitive seagrass and coral reef ecosystems. About 25 local fishermen participated in this event, and the Scuba divers recovered 15kg of ghost nets, the rest being single-use plastics and packaging. This public outreach campaign was focused on improving ocean health through collective action by the local community. Seagrass beds are important marine habitats that provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for numerous species. They also help stabilise the seafloor, improve water quality, and sequester carbon dioxide. Scuba divers involved in this seagrass and coral reef cleaning, removed marine debris, including plastic bags, fishing nets, and other litter, which can smother seagrass and corals, leading to their decline. As part of the awareness drive, NCSCM staff sensitised the fishing community on the need to live environmentally responsible lives and to conserve marine life and the marine environment. They agreed to practice ecologically friendly farming and responsible fishing after having gained an understanding of the Mission LiFE themes through this awareness event. This event trained the fisherfolk in a comprehensive manner about their environment, biodiversity, habitat, and the need to live in harmony with nature. Placards and pamphlets were displayed on the beach as part of this event. NCSCM staff described Mission LiFE to the local fishing community.

 

2. National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE)

On 19th May 2023 EIACP wing of National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) Almora organized an awareness and action program on Save Energy Theme under Mission LiFE among Students of SSJ University, Almora, Uttarakhand. A total of 89 participants including students, teachers and researchers participated in the program and took the LiFE pledge for adopting environmentally friendly habits.

 

3. Botanical Survey of India

A batch of 15 women from Dharamshala district have been awared about save natural resouces and sustainable utilization for future generation and healthy life style  under mission life campaign at BSI, HAWHRC, Solan on  19.05.2023.

BSI ISIM participated International Museum Expo 2023 at New Delhi, disseminate knowledge on plant world and Sensitize about Mission life initiative.

Mission LiFE campaign carried out by BSI SRC, NOEG, YERCAUD today among the general public in the YERCAUD Town by explaining them the importance of protecting our Environment by following the 75 action of Mission LiFE.

Mission LiFE campaign carried out by BSI SRC, NOEG, YERCAUD today at Nazereth Higher School Head Mistress Chamber the general public  by explaining the importance of protecting our Environment by following the 75 action of Mission LiFE. She assured to Spread this message to the School children.

Mission LiFE campaign carried out by BSI SRC, NOEG, YERCAUD today among the transport Department officials, YERCAUD by explaining them the importance of protecting our Environment by following the 75 action of Mission LiFE.

Mission LiFE campaign carried out by BSI SRC, NOEG, YERCAUD today at the Horticultural Research Centre, Tamil Nadu Agriculture University, YERCAUD by explaining the importance of protecting our Environment by following the 75 action of Mission LiFE. During this occasion, Dr. Sathyamoorthy,  Professor and Head and other staff members were present.

Mission LiFE campaign carried out by BSI SRC, NOEG, YERCAUD today at the Government Higher Secondary School, YERCAUD by explaining the importance of protecting our Environment by following the 75 action of Mission LiFE. During this occasion,  School teachers, other staff members and students were present.

 

4. National Museum of Natural History

RMNH, Bhubaneswar organised seed ball activity to prepare for monsoon so that trees can be planted in non-accessible as part of Mass mobilization of Mission LiFE on 19th May, 2023 in which 85 students and general public actively participated.