Initiatives to protect the socio-cultural characteristics of the region, promotion of livelihood through self-help groups, and encouragement of eco-tourism activities form the special focus area in the management action plan prepared by Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) for the Kavvayi wetlands.
A coastal backwater body spread across 10.6 sqkm area, the Kavvayi is one of the major wetland ecosystems in north Kerala.
Spotted with small islands and fed by five different rivers, it stretches from part of Payyannur in Kannur to Neeleswaram in Kasaragod.
The history and cultural activities practiced in the islands were studied in detail for the project by a team of scientists from the CWRDM.
The myriad temples, Nagalayams and Kavus, where the ritual art form of Theyyam takes place every year amidst great fanfare, make these islands culturally unique.
“Protection of the wetland and its islands cannot materialise without properly understanding and taking into account its cultural characteristics,” says P.S. Harikumar, head of the Water Quality Division of CWRD, who led the team.
The action plan prepared by the centre with financial support from the Kerala State Council forScience , Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has earmarked Rs.1 crore for the conservation of the sacred groves in its Rs.20-crore budget estimate.
TheyyamStressing the importance of promoting cultural tourism by methodically marketing Theyyam and other traditional festivals of the region, the budget estimate has also included Rs.90 lakh for it.
Promotion of ecotourism is another area the action plan has set its eye on. The budget estimate, which sought Rs.75 lakh for the promotion of ecotourism, has also envisaged Rs.1.5 crore for various livelihood promotion activities through self-help groups.
Action planStating that the preparation of the action plan was an important step towards including the wetland into the Ramsar list of protected sites, Dr. Harikumar says it is essential that the government takes all measures to protect this wetland without delay.
Third in the StateKavvayi, the third largest wetland in the State, according to him, is facing severe threats from different quarters. The threats include encroachments, laterite mining, destruction of mangroves, land filling, and other forms of pollution that is causing severe damage to its sensitive ecosystem.
The action plan which has given special focus to the protection of its biodiversity also suggested an institutional method for its management, says Dr. Harikumar.
