Date:10/05/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/05/10/stories/2007051012990100.htm

Front Page

Wonder what's under Gulf of Mannar waters?

C. Jaishankar

United Nations Development Programme team moots eco-tourism

MARINE MAGNIFICENCE: A part of coral in the Gulf of Mannar.

RAMANATHAPURAM: It could be good news for those desiring to see the `virtual world' of Gulf of Mannar.

A team of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which visited some of the islands in the Gulf of Mannar to review its biodiversity programme, has favoured the idea of throwing open the vistas of underwater beauty of Gulf of Mannar for eco-tourism.

The biosphere reserve comprises 21 islands with estuaries, beaches, sea grasses, coral reefs and mangroves. Among the Gulf's 3,600 plant and animal species are globally endangered sea cow (dugong dugon) and six mangrove species endemic to peninsular India.

"It is really a wonder under water. The treasures can be opened for public view with very strict regulations," said K.S. Murali, Programme Officer, (Biodiversity), UNDP, and Devi Prasad, National Consultant to UNDP.

The Government should start eco-tourism in the Gulf of Mannar on an experimental basis, they said.

"It is a decision to be taken at a high level. We have to address many issues before taking a decision," said V.K. Melkani, Director and V. Naganathan, Eco-Development Officer, Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Trust.