Time of India - 21 November 2010
Chennai: Renowned scientist MS Swaminathan has said that the sea level could rise considerably during the next 10 years,posing a threat to people living in coastal areas.
Although there are a lot of studies going on in the field of ocean and climatic changes,we must do more anticipatory research to solve climaterelated issues in the coastal areas, Swaminathan said on Saturday while delivering a lecture on the 17th foundation day of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
He said the climate refugees (people who live close to sea) were more prone to issues related to climatic changes.Due to increasing temperature,the sea level may rise up by one metre by 2020.If that is the the case,then those who live close to the sea,like the way people live on the stretch between Kollam and Alappuzha in Kerala,will face serious problems.It is high time our research activities turned towards tomorrows issues,Swaminathan said.
The ocean,he said,was very vulnerable to temperature changes and if we want to protect the sea wealth,we should first create a genetic garden of halophytes.
Salicornia brachiata and europaea have high saline tolerance and are extremetly nutritious, Swaminathan said.Citing the impact of climate on fisheries,he said coral reef was equivalent to the rainforests.Even a minor change can trigger off a number of problems. he said.
Later,Swaminathan chaired the panel discussion with other expects on the subject Ocean 2020.The panel deliberated on the need for ocean-related research and development in the next 10 years to come and also the future course of action.
Talking about the traditional rights of the fishing community,Swaminathan said a separate legislation,along the lines of the Traditional Forest Dwellers Act 2006,should be enacted to safeguard the livelihood security and traditional rights of fishermens families.This can be prepared by the relevant ministry in consultation with the ministry of enviroment and forests, Swaminathan said.
