In a recent move to counteract the impacts of climate change, the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to map, validate, and protect smaller wetlands in the coastal regions of India. The initiative seeks to build resilience against climatic changes while promoting sustainable livelihood options like coastal aquaculture.
Terms of the MoU between CMFRI and ISRO’s Space Applications Centre
Part of the MoU signed involves identifying and demarcating wetlands and restoring them with sustainable livelihood options like coastal aquaculture. Another main feature of the agreement is the development of a mobile app and a centralized web portal. These digital platforms will house a comprehensive database on wetlands that are less than 2.25 hectares within the country. This collaborative effort aligns with a national framework for fisheries and wetlands, freshly developed under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project by CMFRI.
About the NICRA Project
The National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) is a network project of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) introduced in February 2011. The project’s primary mission is to enhance the resilience of Indian agriculture towards climate change and climate vulnerability through strategic research and technology demonstration. Its research scope covers crops, livestock, fisheries, and natural resource management.
Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI)
Established by the Government of India in 1947, CMFRI initially functioned under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. By 1967, it joined forces with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Currently, ICAR stands as the world’s largest network of agricultural research and education institutes operating under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
Statistical Overview worth Noting
| Organization | Establishment Year | Functioning Under |
|---|---|---|
| CMFRI | 1947 | Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare |
| ICAR | 1929 | Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare |
| NICRA | 2011 | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) |
ISRO’s Space Applications Centre
The Indian Space Research Organisation is a significant player in space technology. Its Space Applications Centre was instrumental in partnering with CMFRI for this significant memorandum of understanding. Mapping and protecting smaller wetlands is a crucial step towards environmental conservation whilst combating climate change effects.