By Nityanjali Bulsu
A new initiative designed mainly to assist India’s coastal areas in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has recently received approval from the World Bank. This programme includes creating jobs for approximately 1 lakh people, reducing plastic pollution, something which Tamil Nadu has already been working on, and conserving ecosystems of the nature- rich states.
The project is called SHORE, which stands for Strengthening Coral Resilience and the Economy. It costs around $212.64 million, and is part of a much larger SHORE programme, which costs $820 million, and is initiated by the World Bank to tackle the coastal communities across the globe that continue to face numerous challenges.
India’s shoreline supports nearly 18,000 documented species of plants and animals, while also sustaining the livelihoods of around 250 million people. India also has a long coastline of over 11,000 kms, and runs risks of erosion, pollution, intensive fishing, degradation of mangrove forests, urbanization and extreme climate changes, where at least one third of the coastline is particularly vulnerable.
This project is focused on protecting 30,000 hectares of coastal land in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. This is to be made achievable by planting mangroves and restoring sand dunes wherever possible and necessary, particularly in green grey infrastructures such as backwaters. The project also aims to help with coral protection, and protection of species such as turtles, various types of birds, and dugongs.
Paul Procee, the World Bank’s Acting Country Director for India, highlighted that the initiative is designed to leverage private sector resources to address plastic pollution and promote eco-tourism in targeted regions. He emphasized that engaging private enterprises can enhance plastic waste management systems and support the development of environmentally friendly beaches, thereby creating economic opportunities for coastal communities.
The program by the World Bank, especially the initial phase costing $212.64 million, is part of a Shore Program Loan that has been provided by the International Bank of Reconstruction and Development. The loan agreement includes a total maturity period of 23 years, along with a grace period of 6.5 years.