Understanding and assessing the role of public-private partnership in marine conservation: a case study of ocean watch, Goa- marine stranding network

Student name: Ms Aanchal Saxena
Guide: Dr Sudipta Chatterjee
Year of completion: 2019
Host Organisation: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr N. M. Ishwar

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Abstract:

Oceanic ecosystems remain to be the least known and least discovered ecosystems. The global phenomena of strandings have been a subject of speculation for long and the most basic of all information brought to light by strandings, is the existence of species.

While around the world, the database of strandings are being used to understand various aspects of marine ecosystem and its health, in India, it is still in nascent stages. A unique and robust model of public-private partnership in Goa is functional for more than 22 months addressing the conservation challenge of stranding.

The study is focused on bringing out the importance of having a robust and intensive coverage for marine stranding. It shines light on the strengths and put forward the challenges faced by the network. Analysis of power dynamics between stakeholders is also undertaken to comprehend the aspects of co-working of the network. This study in a way, is providing evidence along with pre-conditions for successful public private partnership for marine conservation.

Key words: - marine mammal, marine stranding, stranding, stranding network, Goa, public-private partnership, marine conservation, marine turtles, cetaceans