Biodiversity and Community based Institutions _ A Case study on Kadalkodathy of Malabar Coast

Abstract

The health of marine ecosystems and associated biodiversity are a fundamental basis not only for the livelihoods security of the coastal fisherfolk but also for the capacity of the sector to contribute to its well being (FA0.2014). A durable fishery depends on a well-functioning ecosystem which in turn calls for effective management systems that ensure its conservation. There is no need to reiterate the fact that there can not be fish without the ecosystem that produce them. There is increasing recognition that fisheries management should integrate the Convention on Biodiversity. Article 7.2,2 of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries dem ands that the management measures should provide inter alia that the biodiversity of aquatic habitats and ecosystems is conserved and endangered species are protected. It is also true that without a socio-political context capable of nurturing an ethos of responsible stewardship there can not be a resilient fisheries. The notion of community as agents for fisheries management is gaining currency (Kooiman et al 2005,), In this context it would be of interest to find that a very unique traditional community based fisheries management institution called Kadalkodathy has stood the test of time along the Malabar coast of Kerala.