To conduct and
execute multi-disciplinary targeted research
and conservation projects.
To
develop and conduct education, awareness, training
and capacity building
programmes among all stakeholders.
To
document and promote traditional knowledge in
the management and sustainable
utilization of marine resources.
To develop an Information
Network of institutions and individuals working
on marine and coastal
issues.
To provide environmental
information / education to visitors.
To provide policy support
and advocacy to the concerned Ministries and
Departments of the Government
of India, International Bodies, Academic and
other Institutions.
To facilitate a dialogue
and consensus at various levels for conservation,
management and sustainable
utilization of coastal and marine resources
/ ecosystems.
RWMC
work focuses principally on marine and coastal
conservation. The RWMC research team, led by Marine
Biologist, Dr. Sarang Kulkarni, has done extensive
work in monitoring and documenting spatio-temporal
changes in coral reef ecosystems in the Andaman
& Nicobar Islands and in the Lakshadweep Islands.
RWMC also addresses alternative livelihood issues
among coastal communities through eco-tourism.
Initiatives are on in Gujarat (Whale Shark Conservation
and Eco-tourism) and Maharashtra. RWMC has been
doing research on endangered marine animals and
critical habitats for their effective conservation
and management, and has been instrumental in getting
legal protection to several marine endangered
species under Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
Along with research, RWMC is also active in the
field of awareness and education, assisting Forest
Departments of coastal areas in capacity building
to protect and monitor endangered marine animals
and their habitats. Key areas of RWMC work include
training Marine Conservation Management Authorities
such as the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and the Department
of Environment and Forests in the field of SCUBA
Diving and conservation strategies.
In
Mumbai, RWMC initiated an awareness drive on the
accumulation of plastic and other debris on our
beaches through 2 ocean clean-up events. RWMC
conducts awareness drives in schools from time
to time. With the support of M/s. Pidilite Industries
Ltd., RWMC is now in the process of creating a
Forum to understand the factors contributing to
the pollution of coastal waters around the city.
This initiative is enlisting participation from
the Municipal Administration, The Pollution Control
Board, Industry, Science & Technology, citizens'
representatives and others to derive a holistic
perspective on the problem, and to suggest control
measures.
RWMC
believes in maintaining a balance of short term
goals and long term investments for better management
and conservation of our oceans. RWMC's mission
is to translate scientific concern to popular
understanding; an integrated movement to protect
and nurture the diversity of life on earth can
take place only when the oceans are part of our
consciousness.
