Organizing a 5-P workshop series to streamline the SEPLS Governance of the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay region of South Asia

Overview

India and Sri Lanka, two geographically proximate countries, exhibit a high proportion of South Asia’s production landscapes and seascapes and share many socio-ecological similarities. The heterogeneity of such socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) ranges from river deltas, rice paddies, lagoons, pools, and lakes to coral reefs, mangroves, and aquaculture, all of which support numerous livelihoods and hundreds of economically significant species. Historically, such SEPLS are used for food and agricultural production in a regenerative manner giving rise to diverse cultures, livelihoods and food systems in both countries. Unfortunately, the SEPLS are undergoing rapid homogenisation and degradation, leading to an unprecedented decline in food production, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, especially in the coral reefs and seagrass beds of the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Bay region. The region continues to be influenced by prevalent and predicted changing hydrological and climatic conditions. Consequently, the livelihoods of both countries' SEPLS communities are impacted, and the healthy food supply is threatened.

The project aims at the sustained transformation of the management of SEPLS of Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar by creating a coordinated, and closely monitored portfolio that is built upon modern and traditional knowledge and people-to-people engagements.

Planned activities:

• 5-P SEPLS Training Workshop (India)
• 5-P SEPLS Training Workshop (Sri Lanka)
• Joint Regional SEPLS Governance 5-P Platform Meeting
• People-to-people mutual visits taken up by the producers and partner groups in fishing villages in India and Sri Lanka
• Communication and launch of an online site for the 5-P Platform on the SEPLS Status & Governance including a Charter for the SEPLS joint management