Identifying Eimcbas

We have identified seven Ecologically Important Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Areas (EIMCBAs) along the Maharashtra coast using EBSA (Ecologically and Biologically Significant Marine Area) criteria. These areas nurture biodiversity-rich habitats, which are rapidly making way for development projects.

Out of the seven clusters, 16 small pockets were assembled together based on their habitat such as rocky, sandy or muddy shores; IUCN-listed species were also considered while determining the importance of these pockets. A management plan is being readied based on the importance of these sites and the conservation issues they face. A People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR) is under preparation for Raigad district.