Papers by Devaraj Asir Ramesh
Asian Journal of Geographical Research
Nearly every shallow coastal region on Earth is home to seagrass, a type of marine flowering plan... more Nearly every shallow coastal region on Earth is home to seagrass, a type of marine flowering plant. They grow down to depths where just 11% of surface light reaches the bottom after colonizing soft substrates like mud, sand, and cobbles. Seagrasses often choose wave-sheltered environments where sediments are shielded from waves and currents. The seagrass environment serves as a home to large animals like dugongs and marine mammals like ducks and geese. The seagrass serves as a feeding and refuge area for the related creatures for the entirety or a portion of their life cycles. Raw materials and food, medicine, fertilizer, coastal protection, erosion control, water purification, fisheries maintenance, nursery grounds, invertebrate habitats, carbon sequestration, tourism, recreation, support for education, and research are just a few of the goods and services provided by seagrass to the coastal community. The value of a seagrass ecosystem's products and services to human well-being can be measured, and this can be used to support the need for seagrass ecosystem preservation, transfer, and regeneration. Many valuation studies are conducted to estimate the various goods and services produced by the seagrass ecosystem. The total area of seagrass distribution in the coastal States and UTs of India is 51822 ha, distributed in Policy Article
Replicate samples oflive coral, dead massive coral, dead branching coral, and live & dead coral w... more Replicate samples oflive coral, dead massive coral, dead branching coral, and live & dead coral were studied. The surface area, volume, percentage cover, biomass and percentage available living space were determined for molluscan cryptofauna in each habitat. The gastropods Pyrene versicolor, Drupa sp. and Cerithium sp. were common in branching cor als. The bivalves Saccostrea cuccullata, Arca sp., Isognomon sp., Pinctada sp. and Lithophaga sp. were common in dead parts oframose corals. Mytilids were rare in living parts of ramose corals. Pyrene sp., Drupa sp., Cerithium sp. and Lambis sp. were found crawling on the surface of the massive corals.
Relationship of socioeconomic parameters in coastal litigations of coastal states of India
The coastline of India plays a significant role in Nation’s economy by virtue of its resources. M... more The coastline of India plays a significant role in Nation’s economy by virtue of its resources. Many economic sectors and major urban areas are located within the coastal zone hence, the demand from the coastal resources are high. In India, nine states and four Union Territories (UTs) are falling under coastal areas of India. The progress of socio-economic development among the coastal major states and UTs are not uniform in terms of per capita income, poverty, infrastructure and socio-economic development. The above disparities can be attributed to three different types of factors they are; natural differences, socio-cultural conditions and policy decisions. Coastal social institutions can have a decisive impact on economic performance of the coastal areas. The law is particularly important in shaping the institutional framework for economic activities. Legal rules can be viewed as socio-technological devices used to help individuals to solve the coordination problems and conflicts...
Social Vision, 2025
History and society are deeply interconnected. History explores past societies, examining the eve... more History and society are deeply interconnected. History explores past societies, examining the events, cultures, and ideas that have shaped them. This exploration gives communities, nations, and cultures a sense of identity and belonging. By understanding the struggles and achievements of our ancestors, we find inspiration to advocate for social and political change. Historically, climate change has affected all the communities of the past. During the Ice Age, glaciers covered nearly one-third of Earth's landmass. Consequently, ocean levels were about 400 feet (122 meters) lower than today. Prehistoric people established their settlements in these areas. As the Earth warmed and ice melted, the sea level rose, causing land submergence due to climate change. In Tamil Nadu, India, the Sangam literature (dating back around 2000 years) recorded the rise of sea levels and the submersion of Tamil lands in the past. The descriptions in the Sangam literature and Epics align with the divisions of the Holocene epoch: the Greenlandian (11,700 to 8,200 years ago), the Northgrippian (8,200 to 4,200 years ago), and the Meghalayan (4,200 years ago to the present). This paper examines the submerged sites worldwide, their locations, and estimates the periods when they were submerged to classify the Holocene divisions. It describes the locations and Holocene divisions of the prehistoric and ancient submerged Tamil cities mentioned in the Sangam literature and Epics. Furthermore, the paper indicates that Wadge Bank and Katchathevu were integral parts of the Tamil lands. It recommends the discovery and preservation of these heritage sites to protect and explore the history of the Tamil people from these submerged lands. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors concerned and do not necessarily represent the views of the organisation to which they are attached.
Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal intertidal zone. Mangroves hav... more Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal intertidal zone. Mangroves have been distributed in low-energy, tidal shorelines between latitudes in tropical and subtropical areas. Mangroves are important productive ecosystems in coastal areas. Mangrove ecosystems are rich in biodiversity and provide a wide range of goods and services to human communities living in coastal areas including wood and non-wood forest products, fisheries, medicines, tannins, apiculture, wildlife resources, fishery, recreation, ecotourism, bio-filtration, nursery grounds, coastal protection, and carbon sequestration. Mangroves are bio shields of the coast and protect people from disasters like tsunamis, and cyclones. Mangroves support shoreline protection, sediment accretion, and, other functions. Mangrove cover in coastal areas of India is 559098.62 ha. They have been discontinuously distributed in 42859 patches of the coastal areas. India's coastal States and UTs are distributed with mangrove ecosystems except the UT of Lakshadweep. Benefits from mangroves are often ignored by industry and local inhabitants since the values of goods and services and their equivalent economic benefits are derived from the mangroves of India. This study aims to analyse various benefits of mangroves and estimate their equivalent economic benefit to inform the conservation benefits of mangroves. This study has followed the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment framework. The average total economic benefit of mangroves' goods and services is the equivalent economic values of India's mangroves range between Rs. 92662/-/ha/yr., = US$1985.17 ha/yr (minimum) and Rs. 3361144 = US$72008.47/-/ha/yr. (maximum) with an average total economic benefit of Rs. 958766/ha-/yr = US$ 20540.41/ha-/yr. The mangrove ecosystems of India are contributing equivalent economic benefit of Rs. 53604 crore Rs./yr., = US$1148.40 Rs./yr (Average) to the welfare of coastal communities. The ecosystem value shall support policy decisions and awareness creation on conservation benefits and sustainable utilisation of goods and services of the mangrove ecosystem.
Replicate samples of live coral, dead massive coral, dead branching coral, and live & dead coral ... more Replicate samples of live coral, dead massive coral, dead branching coral, and live & dead coral were studied. The surface area, volume, percentage cover, biomass and percentage available living space were determined for molluscan cryptofauna in each habitat. The gastropods Pyrene versicolor, Drupa sp. and Cerithium sp. were common in branching corals. The bivalves Saccostrea cllecullata, Area sp., Isognomon sp., Pinctada sp. and Lithophaga sp. were common in dead parts of ramose corals. Mytilids were rare in living parts of ramose corals. Pyrene sp., Drupa sp., Cerithium sp. and Lambis sp. were found crawling on the surface of the massive corals. •
Coastal ecosystems are supplying both stock and flow natural resources that are being used as dir... more Coastal ecosystems are supplying both stock and flow natural resources that are being used as direct and indirect inputs for production and consumption and play a major role in the overall economic system. Various goods and services from the above ecosystems were studied to estimate total equivalent economic benefits from the ecosystem using the Benefit-Cost Transfer method. Coastal ecosystems and habitats are protected and regulated as Ecologically Sensitive Areas under Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2019 under Environment Protection Act 1986 of the Government of India. The nine coastal ecosystems/habitats which have been indicated in the above notification are mangroves, corals, and coral reefs; sand dunes; mudflats; salt marshes; turtle nesting grounds; horseshoe crabs habitats; sea grass beds; and nesting grounds of birds. The equivalent economic benefit of the coastal ecosystems of India has been estimated at Rs. 1Lakh 85 Thousand Crore (US$ 39.74 Billion). Monetary value of coastal ecosystem goods and services shall be a tool to raise awareness and convey the (relative) importance of ecosystems and biodiversity to the general public and policymakers. In addition, the monetary value shall support in decisionmaking on the allocation of resources for competing uses. Estimated values of the coastal ecosystems allow policymakers to quantitatively assess the economic benefits that society might gain from the sustainable use of coastal ecosystems.
Sand dunes are simply an extension of the beach which is a reservoir of sand, during storms when ... more Sand dunes are simply an extension of the beach which is a reservoir of sand, during storms when the waves erode the dune and carry the sand into the sea. They are providing habitat for shellfish, birds, rodents, and ungulates. They have been used for coastal defense, water catchment areas, agriculture purposes, mining, and housing. Many of the goods and services produced by the sand dunes are not easily quantified and accounted for since they are not being traded in the formal market. Hence, many of the environmental benefits have been often neglected or even ignored by the economy, industry, coastal communities, and other stakeholders. Systematic accounting of the benefits shall enlighten the relationship between environmental function, human dependency, and economics. Though there are many goods and services, economic assessment of sand dune landforms is scarce. Estimated values of sand dune landforms allow policymakers to assess the benefits that society gains from the environmental feature. The monetary value of sand dune landforms goods and services shall be a tool to raise awareness and convey the (relative) importance of the environmental feature to the general public and policymakers. In addition, the monetary value shall support decision-making on the allocation of resources for competing uses. This policy paper analysis assesses the economic value of sand dune landforms to wise use of the sand dune and sustainable management of the coastal environment. This policy paper used the Benefit Transfer method to estimate the equivalent economic benefit of the sand dune landforms. The monetary benefit of sand dunes in a one-hectare area of the sand Policy Article
Coastal areas are overwhelmingly rich in resources and support the livelihoods of the local commu... more Coastal areas are overwhelmingly rich in resources and support the livelihoods of the local communities. Coastal mangrove ecosystem provides a wide range of goods and services for human needs and wellbeing. To value conservation benefits of 252.29 ha extent of Kundapura mangrove ecosystem's goods and services, an economic valuation study was conducted using Systems of Environmental Economics Accounting (SEEA) framework. In total, seven ecosystem benefits were identified under provisioning, regulating and cultural services categories of SEEA. Identified baskets of benefits are fisheries, timber, fuelwood, protection against storms and floods, water quality maintenance, carbon sequestration, recreation and tourism. Out of seven benefits, the present study has found that the disturbance regulation benefit's contribution, which is about 92.65% of overall benefits with its economic value, US$1.786 million per year (17.86 lakh). Disturbance regulation benefit has significant role in reducing the impact of vulnerability from coastal hazards and sheltering 4354 individuals of population occupying 1088 houses. Despite that fact, Kundapura mangrove's assets are being degraded by various negative externalities. Particularly reclamation for aquaculture purpose and consequent discharging of the effluents, and dumping of sludge and municipal solid wastes (MSWs). These externalities would exacerbate the environmental problems and impacts on the flow of benefits. Hence, circular economic approach as pioneering to renovate the current linear system into circular one through 3R's strategy (reduce, reuse, and recycle) in the process of production, distribution, and consumption of ecosystem goods and services. This research paper explains about the application of circular economic approach in conservation management by assessing economic valuation of Kundapura mangrove's specific services. This approach is expected to finally result in aiding decision-making process to limit the quantity of polluting residuals and control the degradation activities thereby sustain the mangroves in good health. Further the regeneration and expansion of mangrove extent would improve the mangrovedependent fishery, promote sustainable tourism, and maximize the coastal protection and economic benefits in this region. This will go a long way in sustaining the health
Assessment of Seagrass Ecosystems’ Goods and Services of India
Asian Journal of Geographical Research, Mar 1, 2024
Integrated ecosystem-based risk reduction into environmental-economic accounting in Gujarat coastal zones
Elsevier eBooks, 2023
Valuing ecologically sensitive area’s ecosystem services in Bhitharkanika
Elsevier eBooks, 2023
Asian Journal of Geographical Research
Sand dunes are simply an extension of the beach which is a reservoir of sand, during storms when ... more Sand dunes are simply an extension of the beach which is a reservoir of sand, during storms when the waves erode the dune and carry the sand into the sea. They are providing habitat for shellfish, birds, rodents, and ungulates. They have been used for coastal defense, water catchment areas, agriculture purposes, mining, and housing. Many of the goods and services produced by the sand dunes are not easily quantified and accounted for since they are not being traded in the formal market. Hence, many of the environmental benefits have been often neglected or even ignored by the economy, industry, coastal communities, and other stakeholders. Systematic accounting of the benefits shall enlighten the relationship between environmental function, human dependency, and economics. Though there are many goods and services, economic assessment of sand dune landforms is scarce. Estimated values of sand dune landforms allow policymakers to assess the benefits that society gains from the enviro...
Economic valuation of ecosystem services for application of circular economy approach in conservation of Kundapura mangroves of Karnataka, India
Environmental Quality Management
Coastal areas are overwhelmingly rich in resources and support the livelihoods of the local commu... more Coastal areas are overwhelmingly rich in resources and support the livelihoods of the local communities. Coastal mangrove ecosystem provides a wide range of goods and services for human needs and wellbeing. To value conservation benefits of 252.29 ha extent of Kundapura mangrove ecosystem’s goods and services, an economic valuation study was conducted using Systems of Environmental Economics Accounting (SEEA) framework. In total, seven ecosystem benefits were identified under provisioning, regulating and cultural services categories of SEEA. Identified baskets of benefits are fisheries, timber, fuelwood, protection against storms and floods, water quality maintenance, carbon sequestration, recreation and tourism. Out of seven benefits, the present study has found that the disturbance regulation benefit’s contribution, which is about 92.65% of overall benefits with its economic value, US$1.786 million per year (17.86 lakh). Disturbance regulation benefit has significant role in reducing the impact of vulnerability from coastal hazards and sheltering 4354 individuals of population occupying 1088 houses. Despite that fact, Kundapura mangrove’s assets are being degraded by various negative externalities. Particularly reclamation for aquaculture purpose and consequent discharging of the effluents, and dumping of sludge and municipal solid wastes (MSWs). These externalities would exacerbate the environmental problems and impacts on the flow of benefits. Hence, circular economic approach as pioneering to renovate the current linear system into circular one through 3R’s strategy (reduce, reuse, and recycle) in the process of production, distribution, and consumption of ecosystem goods and services. This research paper explains about the application of circular economic approach in conservation management by assessing economic valuation of Kundapura mangrove’s specific services. This approach is expected to finally result in aiding decision-making process to limit the quantity of polluting residuals and control the degradation activities thereby sustain the mangroves in good health. Further the regeneration and expansion of mangrove extent would improve the mangrovedependent fishery, promote sustainable tourism, and maximize the coastal protection and economic benefits in this region. This will go a long way in sustaining the health of the otherwise fragile mangrove ecosystem of Kundapura coastal stretch, which is under the category of Critically Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CCVAs), identified under CRZ of India. KEYWORDS circular economy, economic valuation, externalities, goods and services, vulnerability
Ecosystem Assessment for Sustainable Management : A Case Study of Coringa Mangroves, Andhra Pradesh, India
Arthshastra Indian Journal of Economics & Research, 2021
Reef building corals of the families Pocilloporidae, Acroporidae, Poritidae, and Faviidae were co... more Reef building corals of the families Pocilloporidae, Acroporidae, Poritidae, and Faviidae were collected at low tide. A total of 73 species of molluscs were associated with corals in Pall, Bay, viz., 46 species of gastropods belonging to 17 families , and 27 s pecies of bivalves belonging to 13 fanlilie s. Molluscs were rarely associated with young coral s. The present sludy shows that the structure and size (weight) of corals influence the molluscan diver sity. The number of molluscan individuals increased with increasing coral weight. With a singl e exception. no molluscs were associated with the massive coral Favia pa/lida. Very few boring bi valves were recorded from branching co rals.
JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH, 2019
Fisherwomen constitute 47% of the total adult coastal and marine fishing populations India. They... more Fisherwomen constitute 47% of the total adult coastal and marine fishing populations India. They share major contribution in fishing of their families either directly or indirectly, especially in post-harvest and land based activities. They have also been involved in passive fishing such as sea weed gathering, mussel collection, and prawn capturing in near shore coastal ecosystems. The activities performed by fisherwomen in fishing are diverse and differs to those of men but significant for livelihood of their families. Fisherwomen activities amount high in the share of economic contribution to coastal fishing in India. The work performance of fisherwomen in fishing related activities are un-recognised or under recognised. Gender biased discrimination such as access to resources, control over family; consumption pattern and freedom for domestic expenditure are prevalent in their family and community. Gender mainstreaming activities of the Government are merely recognised by th...
Replicate samples oflive coral, dead massive coral, dead branching coral, and live & dead coral w... more Replicate samples oflive coral, dead massive coral, dead branching coral, and live & dead coral were studied. The surface area, volume, percentage cover, biomass and percentage available living space were determined for molluscan cryptofauna in each habitat. The gastropods Pyrene versicolor, Drupa sp. and Cerithium sp. were common in branching cor als. The bivalves Saccostrea cuccullata, Arca sp., Isognomon sp., Pinctada sp. and Lithophaga sp. were common in dead parts oframose corals. Mytilids were rare in living parts of ramose corals. Pyrene sp., Drupa sp., Cerithium sp. and Lambis sp. were found crawling on the surface of the massive corals.
Journal of Public Administration and Governance, 2012
The coastal areas of India are getting greater importance in recent years, owing to increasing hu... more The coastal areas of India are getting greater importance in recent years, owing to increasing human population, urbanization and accelerated developmental activities. These anthropogenic activities have created conflict between physical, environmental and human dimensions. Systematic knowledge and understanding of various dimensions of the coastal area shall guide for wise use of coastal resources, resolving human-induced problems, and improving governance systems. Integrated coastal management (ICM) is conceived as a holistic management tool working across sectoral, disciplinary, and institutional boundaries. Any program aimed at integrated management of the coastal zone is to meet and overcome the challenges of building up and anchoring new institutional, technical, and administrative capacity. Capacity development on integrated management and planning are recently initiated at academic level in India. UNDP defines capacity development as “the process through which individuals...
Journal of Environmental Protection, 2011
Generally, approaches of coastal issues are sectoral basis and solutions have been formed in adho... more Generally, approaches of coastal issues are sectoral basis and solutions have been formed in adhoc fashions which are not long lasting. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) is conceived as a holistic management tool working across sectoral, disciplinary, and institutional boundaries. ICZM planning is a continuous process to achieve the goals and objectives by using alternative decisions. ICZM plan is providing boundary conditions for limitation, negotiation and implementation. Planning for coastal management is essentially requires integration of resources, uses, issues, and tools for achieving the management objectives. The ultimate goal of ICZM is to improve the quality of life of human communities. Coastal area management needs integrated, interdisciplinary and multi-sectoral approaches for sustainable utilization of resources, which is the fundamental objective of the resource planners and managers. Methodology for ICZM planning is differing in relation to the regional culture, society, economics, politics, nature, technology, scientific, human behavior, etc. Planning for coastal management is very easy by following the methodology or framework developed for the planning process. A case study of ICZM Plan for Andaman has been prepared by using the participatory methodology, which is the source of consensus for all stakeholders of the Andaman Islands. The tasks of ICZM Plan preparation for Andaman Islands includes, knowledgebase development, selection of ICZM plan preparation methodologies, conflict identification, risk analysis, cost benefit analysis, strategic and action plans, recommendations and institutional changes. This ICZM methodology could be used for comparing and understanding the boundary conditions of union or federal developing nations towards comparative planning.
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Papers by Devaraj Asir Ramesh