Monitoring and Management of Coastal Ecologies in India: Community Narratives Through PGIS
摘要
This chapter investigates the complex relationship between human communities and their coastal environments, emphasizing participatory approaches to sustainable management. Through an exploration of five field narratives, the chapter highlights community-driven initiatives and their integration with scientific methodologies. The first narrative, Voices from the Shoreline, highlights collective efforts in mangrove restoration and coastal stewardship, emphasizing the significance of local knowledge and participatory approaches. The second narrative, Salty Encroachment, focuses on adaptive strategies to mitigate salinity intrusion, blending traditional practices with scientific tools such as PGIS and ecological assessments. Crops and Catastrophes, the third narrative, examines agricultural resilience in response to climatic uncertainties, showcasing innovations such as drought-resistant crops and other adaptive strategies. The fourth narrative, Nets of Tradition, underscores the role of indigenous knowledge in managing fishing grounds, demonstrating how participatory mapping and conservation efforts contribute to sustainability. Finally, Unequal Journeys addresses the challenges of climate migration and inequality, offering adaptive solutions like eco-villages and skill-building initiatives to enhance community resilience. By integrating these narratives with participatory geographic information systems (PGIS) and other scientific innovations, the chapter highlights the transformative potential of co-creation. It advocates for the fusion of local knowledge with evidence-based approaches to promote ecological balance, equitable resource distribution, and long-term sustainability in coastal ecologies. The narratives illustrate that the solutions to our most pressing challenges are not found in isolation, but through collaboration, where the wisdom of the past informs future innovation and diverse voices contribute to the development of inclusive and effective solutions.