Significance of the field study and its relation to coastal ecosystem
The field study which was conducted in Digha is mainly a coastal region in Purba Medinipur which falls along the coastline of West Bengal.
According to our basic knowledge about ecosystem, among all of them we know i.e. terrestrial, grassland, estuary, river, marine, coastal ecosystem is considered to be most stable and divergent ecosystem. This is because not only it is near the sea which makes a bit more of a transitional zone but also because of the variable climate which persists throughout the year.
Since our study included various topics of interest as flora and fauna diversity, crab study pattern, avifaunal observations etc, the coastal ecosystem prevailing at Digha provided a much broader outlook.
Firstly, the ecosystem has a transitional zone between the terrestrial and marine community and behaves as an ‘ecotone’ and shows species diversity as well as richness extensively and importantly species which are found more of mammalian nature are found in the coastline which is quite remarkable and interesting.
Secondly, when our objective was to study avifauna and crabs, we were able to notice few characteristic and observations which can be told a sort of both having marine and grassland species the same time. And also while performing our floral diversity study we came across many species which were unknown but having characteristics of both grassland and marine ecosystems specially in the estuarine region.
In brief, if the question arises that why we chose a coastal ecosystem like Digha rather than a normal ecosystem for our field study?
The answer to this explained above in detail.
Conservation strategies of the coastal ecosystems
In West Bengal, the INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT [ICZM] Project is working in two pilot stretches, the Digha –Sankarpur coast and Sagar Island on the Indian side of the Sunderbans. Sagar island the largest island in the Sunderbans area of Bay of Bengal.
Pilot investments include protecting hazard –prone areas of the coastline from erosion by planting mangroves as a bio-shield. Regeneration of mangroves has started on 1000 hectares. All fishing around Digha is o be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.
To control pollution, existing sewerage works at Digha are renovated to cater for projected population growth and the rise in tourist traffic till 2025.Grid electricity is being brought to Sagar Island to reduce pollution from diesel generation.
The livelihoods of coastal communications of Sagar Island are being improved through the generation of new afforestation based livelihoods and the promotion of small-scale tourism and ecotourism activities. Eco-sensitive tourism infrastructure is being developed –including at Ganga Sagar, an important pilgrimage site at the confluence of the river Ganga and the sea.
The project is also working to develop Calcutta University’s capacity to study the area’s rich microbial diversity. Already, more than 300 new bacteria have already been found.
In Digha area, the quality of land, water and air has been impacted by the number of diesel driven fishing boats and the growth of fishing harbor activities. And the growth of tourism, a major economic activity, has led to a rise in hotel-building, road transportation, and illegal encroachment by small traders.
The coastal tract near Digha is being eroded by seawater, resulting in the lowering of the beach and recession of the bank. The rate of erosion has been found to be 17meters per year in some parts. Moreover, the quality of surface and ground water is changing due to intrusion of salt water, especially in the Digha area –an indirect effect of shore line shift in this region.
The ‘UNEP-GPA-CCRC [Coastal Community Resource Center]’. An innovative community management model at village has also implemented a good number of people friendly programs to inform, educate and equip them to wise use the coastal wetland and marine resources, more particularly the mangroves.
The mangroves protect the people from the harmful effects of cyclones, tsunamis, crocodiles and flooding. They help to build up soil and stop coastal erosion as well as providing a safety net and food security. If nature were to charges for these services, the people would undoubtedly not be able to pay, and the market would force them to search for alternative ways to find their live hoods. There would be pressure to find better education and new markets and to innovate, because they would be living under the same ’sink or swim’ pressure.
The innovative project provides a community platform and opportunities for coastal communities to voice their observations, experiences and concerns to support community-level research and educational activities related to climate change, highlighting the role of local of local knowledge, practices and coping strategies to achieve the goals to build recognition of their unique knowledge and expertise.
Mangrove ecosystems represent a major hope for adaptation to some of the effects of climate change. They protect the coast from erosion as well as natural disasters such as cyclones and tsunamis. They also provide key natural services, such as soil formation, filtration and the nursery ground for many valuable marine species on which both the health of coral reefs and the livelihood of fishermen depends. With the interpretation of climatic change avenues in its campus the CCRC is designed and developed as a Climatic Change Knowledge platform to attract students, researchers, scientist, nature lovers and tourists as part of a promotion of ecosystem to the region, providing the local people with yet another possible source of income. This innovative project has worked out a wide range of subjects including Socio-coastal Economic Development and Ecological sanitation issues to curb climate change effects and ICT for Community Schooling on Conservation Education.
CCRC Interpretation Avenue on Climate change has planned to facilitate activities that promote debate, consultation, inter-cultural dialogue exchange, visits, workshops and awareness of indigenous peoples, options for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development by involving different stakeholders in the context of a rapidly changing global climate.
OBJECTIVES OF THE FIELD STUDY
THE VARIOUS OBJECTIVES OF THE FIELD STUDY AT DIGHA ARE LISTED BELOW AS FOLLOWS:-
Preparing a checklist of the particular flora and fauna in the ecosystem.
To study the vegetation diversity from the coastal area to the estuarine area.
To study the avifaunal diversity along with their nesting habitat.
To study the crab behavior pattern of the ghost and fiddler crabs.
5 To study the nature of Udaipur coastal ecosystem.
MATERIALS AND METHODS OF THE FIELD STUDY
THE ECOLOGICAL FIELD STUDY WAS DIVIDED INTO A SPAN OF 2 DAYS.
The first day our study comprised of:-
1 Quadrate study of floral diversity at Talsari.
2 Bird watching 1 [avifaunal observation] at Talsari by line transect method.
3 Crab behavior study pattern of Ghost and Fiddler crabs at Tajpur.
Our next phase of study i.e. on the second day comprised of the following activities:-
1 Bird watching 2 at Alankarpur .
2 Ecosystem study at Udaipur beach, Digha.
FLORAL DIVERSITY AND VEGETATION PATTERN STUDY
Flora forms a very important and integral component in a particular ecosystem. This is because floral organisms are the primary producers which produce food in the form of complex carbohydrates by utilizing solar energy. This is what makes the ecosystem running in a cyclic pattern through energy absorption at various tropic levels i.e. from producers, then to consumers and finally through decomposition.
Other than energy balance, plants help an ecosystem in numerous way such as protection from floods and storms [Sunderbans Mangroves], initiating community succession and a habitant for many animals.
Each ecosystem has a definite type of flora present according to its abiotic components i.e. temperature, rainfall, sunlight, air, etc. This makes an ecosystem unique from others if the fauna are not considered. Plants show a wide range variation within an ecosystem or outside making them such diverse and variable to different environments.
According to the geography, topographical aspects and physiological outlook of Talsari, we assumed that it has a good abundance of floral species in the coastline and its increasing richness while moving to the estuarine area. Our assumptions soon became a reality when we observed this fantastic variation while conducting floral diversity study.
THE MANGROVE TRACT OF TALSARI
LOCATION
IN WEST BENGAL
TALSARI: GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION
Talsari beaches is one of the virgin beaches in India which is located in Balasore district of Odisha .The geographical location of this beach lies in the north-eastern coast of India having a calm and serene atmosphere.
Distinguished by the vast stretches of green paddy fields, rivers, blue hills and extensive beaches, the place is quite untouched as far as tourists are concerned.
Talsari is one of the less exploited Odisha beaches. The Talsari beach is not as frequently visited by the people as the other beaches of Odisha. The waters of the sea at Talsari beach are not turbulent but calm and peaceful.
Witnessing sunrise and sunset from a gleaming stretch of white sand is a rewarding experience. Another feature of Talsari that fascinates tourists is its backwaters, which one needs to cross to reach the sea.
The calm ambiance, unique receding waters and tropical weather all year round make it a popular destination for adventure seekers and those looking for solitude.
It is the last beach in the odisha to the north.
Geographically Talsari is situated between 21°35'48" Northern Latitude and 87°27'17" Eastern Longitude.
Talsari's beach is famous for its fishing village, and among people partial to sea food. Near beach digha just 7 k/m.