Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

LINKAGES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS WITH INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROJECT IN INDIA: AN APPROACH TO ENHANCE EFFICACY

Satyendra Kumar and C. R. Suthar

Abstract

Sustainable development of a country helps to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advance the transition to low-carbon, resource-efficient and inclusive economies. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is one of the important process for the management of the coast using an integrated approach to achieve sustainability, regarding all aspects of the coastal zone, including geographical and political boundaries. In 2010, the Government of India had launched Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) to conserve, protect and manage the coastal and marine ecosystems, pollution abatement and livelihood security of the coastal communities with the assistance of the World Bank. The ICZM project in India was implemented in identified coastal stretches of the states of Gujarat, Odisha and West Bengal. Under this project, activities related to conservation of the coastal ecosystems such as mangrove plantation, shelterbelt plantation, coral transplantation, enhancement of livelihood security of the coastal communities, pollution abatement in coastal areas, capacity building, etc. was undertaken. After almost 10 years of the commencement of the project, the satisfactory implementation of various activities in all the three states is evident from the numerous achievements under ICZM.